It should have been another sun-soaked holiday on the Costa del Sol. Instead, dozens of tourists found themselves nursing injuries after a serious incident at a hotel in Spain, with British holidaymakers confirmed among those caught up in the chaos.
Around 60 tourists were injured following the incident at the hotel, according to initial reports from Spanish emergency services. The exact nature of the incident is still being investigated by local authorities, though eyewitnesses described scenes of considerable panic as guests scrambled to safety.
British nationals were among those affected, though the precise number of UK citizens injured has not yet been confirmed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. A spokesperson advised any affected travellers to contact the British consulate in Spain for assistance.
“It was absolutely terrifying. One minute everything was fine, the next people were running everywhere,” one witness reportedly told local media.
Spanish emergency services responded quickly to the scene, with ambulances transporting a number of the injured to nearby hospitals. Several tourists were treated on-site for minor injuries, while others required further medical attention. No fatalities have been reported at this stage.
Spain remains one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits, with over 17 million UK visitors travelling there each year. Incidents like this, while thankfully rare, serve as a sobering reminder of why travel insurance isn’t something to skip when booking a trip abroad.
The FCDO currently advises British travellers in Spain to follow local authority guidance and to keep emergency contact numbers to hand. The British consulate can be reached on +34 917 146 300 for those who need consular support.
The hotel has not yet issued a formal public statement, and Spanish investigators have not confirmed whether any criminal or civil liability is being considered in connection with the incident.
As more Brits head off on their summer holidays in the coming weeks, this will no doubt raise uncomfortable questions about guest safety standards at popular resort hotels, and whether enough is being done to protect tourists once they’re through the door.
