DEATHS have been reported after a massive explosion destroyed buildings in Madrid.
A seven-storey building collapsed in the centre of the Spanish capital and footage from the scenes shows debris littering Toledo Street.
Authorities have confirmed there are casualties but have not given out any further details at this stage. Some are understood to have suffered burns and other panic attacks.
Locals at the scene are saying that at least one person has died.
Police at the scene have reportedly said it was a gas explosion.
Follow our Madrid blast live blog below for the latest from the scene
- Lottie Tiplady-Bishop
‘AVOID PUERTO DE TOLEDO’
Spanish police are warning Madrid residents to avoid the the Puerto de Toledo in the centre of the city following a huge explosion.
They said: "Ongoing incident in the area of Puerto de Toledo.
"Please avoid the area and clear the way to emergency resources."
The huge gate was declared Bien de Interés Cultural in 1996.
- Lottie Tiplady-Bishop
ELDERLY PEOPLE ESCORTED FROM MADRID EXPLOSION
- Lottie Tiplady-Bishop
STREETS COVERED WITH DEBRIS
Madrid’s streets have been covered with debris following a huge explosion in the city centre.
Footage shared widely online shows Calle Toledo, a central street of the capital, is covered with debris from the blast.
In one clip, people stand outside a cordon where the smoke is coming from as elderly people are being helped away from the scene.
- Lottie Tiplady-Bishop
SUSPECTED GAS EXPLOSION
A seven-storey building in Madrid city centre has been destroyed in a suspected gas explosion.
The upper-floors of the building have had their windows blown out after a blast shook Toledo Street at about 2.20m local time today.
Police at the scene have reportedly said it was a gas explosion.
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