Madrid on alert as a major fire breaks out at the Moeve tower, hundreds evacuated

A powerful explosion, followed by large flames, engulfed Madrid’s Cuatro Torres business district this afternoon, causing panic and leading to the full evacuation of the Moeve tower (formerly Cepsa), one of the tallest skyscrapers in Spain.

Initial information indicates that the explosion occurred on the 16th floor of the 45-story building. As a result, a major fire broke out and a thick cloud of smoke formed, which was visible even from distant parts of the Spanish capital.

So far, authorities say there have been no reports of injuries, while the search continues for three people believed to have been trapped inside the building.

Immediately after the alarm was raised, numerous firefighting units, police officers and Samur emergency teams were deployed to the scene. According to Spanish police, the flames have now been brought under control, but the evacuation and inspection of the building have not yet been completed.

Because of the thick smoke, authorities ordered the tower to be evacuated immediately, while rescue teams continue their efforts to find the three missing people. As reported by the Europa Press agency, employees and visitors will be allowed to return only after the building’s full safety has been confirmed.

An eyewitness, who works in a building near the site of the incident, said that hundreds of people left the building in an orderly manner. “People were running, but there was calm,” he said, stressing that previous evacuation drills helped people cope with the situation.

The Moeve tower, previously known as Torre Foster, has been owned by Spanish businessman Amancio Ortega since 2016. At 248 meters tall and with 45 floors, it is considered one of the tallest buildings in Spain and is part of the well-known Cuatro Torres Business Area complex. Meanwhile, authorities are investigating the causes of the explosion, while the building had also recorded a similar fire incident in the past.