Madrid building collapse: Scramble to find 4 missing people after hotel disaster

A building has collapsed in central Madrid and up to four people have been reported missing. Emergency services rushed to a rescue effort after several floors collapsed inside a hotel that was under construction on Hileras Street, leaving several injured.

Initially, three men and one woman were reported missing according to Madrid city officials, but sources from the National Police confirmed two, reports Spanish news organisation, El Pais. One construction worker was taken to hospital for a leg fracture, while others were treated for injuries and shock, according to Madrid Emergency Services.

A spokesperson added that crews worked to stabilise the building in the capital's historic centre so they could start clearing the debris and allow the Municipal Police Canine Unit to enter and search for the missing.

A construction worker who asked to remain anonymous told El Pais: "There could have been up to 40 people inside the building. At the moment of the collapse, we heard a noise from the floors, and then just a cloud of dust."

Residents also reported feeling a tremor in the street at the moment it collapsed on Tuesday, October 7.

The Spanish government delegate in Madrid, Francisco Martín, told local press that the exact number of workers present at the building, which is near the popular Puerta del Sol square, was still being determined.

He added that authorities were analysing the possible impact on neighbouring buildings and the "entire perimeter" had been evacuated. He described it as a workplace incident.

Businesses located close to the site reported the streets were "full" of ambulances and police.

It is understood the six-floor building, built in 1965, was under construction to become a four-star hotel. Sources involved in the investigation told the Spanish outlet that a large crane had been installed on the scaffolding.