An explosion in a Carabanchel apartment, Madrid, killed an 80-year-old woman and injured nine others on January 9, 2026. The incident occurred on the fourth floor of a building at Azcoitia Street 36, which was under renovation, causing a partial structural collapse. Firefighters and emergency services evacuated neighboring buildings due to structural damage.
On January 9, 2026, around 4:10 p.m., an explosion rocked the Carabanchel Alto neighborhood in Madrid, specifically at number 36 on Azcoitia Street. The blast occurred on the fourth floor of a four-story building where an elderly couple aged 80 and 84 lived. The woman, identified as María Pacheco, died from deflagration injuries to her hands, arms, body, and face, partially buried under debris. Her husband sustained minor injuries and was taken to Hospital 12 de Octubre.
Eight others suffered minor injuries, treated on site by Samur and Summa 112 without hospitalization. Four people were rescued by eight firefighter units from the Madrid City Council, which extinguished a fire in the apartment's kitchen and terrace. The flames affected facade awnings but did not spread to other homes, though heavy smoke was generated and ventilated.
The apartment was under renovation for coating work, but no workers were present during the explosion. Neighbors described a 'very, very loud' bang followed by shaking, and some smelled gas, though accounts vary. 'While at home, suddenly there was a huge explosion, a very, very strong noise,' recounted a neighbor who tried to help by lifting debris, to no avail. Another resident, David Pozas, heard cries for help and saw rubble fall on parked cars.
National and Municipal Police cordoned off the area, and firefighters assessed structural damage to buildings 36 and 38, evacuating 32 apartments. Vice Mayor Inma Sanz stated no more people are trapped, but residents cannot return for at least three days due to collapse risk. Government Delegate Francisco Martín confirmed the apartment was being renovated. The incident echoes a September 2025 explosion in Vallecas that killed two and injured 25.
