The death toll from a catastrophic building collapse in central Madrid has risen to four after Spanish emergency workers recovered the bodies of two missing construction workers early Wednesday. The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when the top floor of a six-storey building under renovation collapsed, causing the floors below to pancake in a devastating cascade.

Emergency teams worked tirelessly through the night, employing police sniffer dogs and drones to navigate the unstable rubble in their search for survivors. Their efforts led to the grim discovery of the two additional victims, one of whom was a woman, bringing the total fatalities to four. Three other workers sustained injuries, with one suffering a severe leg fracture requiring urgent medical attention.

The building’s facade, which remained intact, played a critical role in containing most of the debris, preventing it from spilling onto the busy streets of central Madrid and potentially causing further harm. Authorities have cordoned off the area to ensure public safety as the investigation into the collapse continues.

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Police are treating the incident as a workplace accident, with early investigations focusing on potential safety violations or structural issues during the renovation process. In Spain, it is common for older buildings to undergo extensive interior renovations while preserving their historic facades, a practice that may have contributed to the structural failure in this case.

The collapse has raised concerns about construction safety standards in Spain, particularly for older buildings undergoing significant renovations. Local officials have promised a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the tragedy and to prevent future incidents. Meanwhile, the community has come together to mourn the loss of the workers, with tributes pouring in for the victims and their families.

As Madrid grapples with the aftermath, emergency services remain on high alert, ensuring the site is secure and no further risks are posed to the public. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by construction workers and the need for stringent safety measures in urban redevelopment projects.

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