A devastating incident has unfolded on the Balearic island of Menorca, where a massive landslide resulted in a tragic fatality and serious injuries. A colossal 20-tonne boulder crashed through a residential property in Cala Sant Esteve, claiming the life of a 66-year-old man and leaving his 62-year-old partner with severe injuries.
Catastrophic Collision in Cala Sant Esteve
The catastrophic event occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning, as fierce weather conditions brought by Storm Ingrid battered the region. The enormous rock tore through the terrace of the building, descending through two floors before ultimately crushing the couple in their bedroom. Rescue operations were immediately launched, but were significantly hampered by the ongoing landslide and unstable conditions.
Rescue Efforts and Evacuations
The 66-year-old man was discovered deceased beneath the rubble, while his partner, identified locally as an employee of the Es Castell Town Council, was rescued more than three hours after the accident. Remarkably, she remained conscious throughout the ordeal. Initial medical assessments revealed multiple injuries, including crushing trauma to her lower limbs. She was promptly transported to hospital for urgent treatment.
In response to the dangerous landslide, authorities evacuated approximately a dozen homes in the nearby Fort Marlborough area as a precautionary measure. A crane was deployed to the scene to assist in moving the gigantic boulder and stabilising the area for rescue teams.
Official Responses and Community Support
Mayor of Es Castell, Lluís Camps, emphasised the urgency of the rescue mission, stating, "The aim is to rescue the victim as soon as possible because the weather conditions are not very favourable." The town council released an official statement expressing profound condolences: "From the Es Castell Town Council we express our deepest condolences for the tragedy that today has cost the life of one of our neighbours, in Cala Sant Esteve. We want to convey all our support, affection and respect to the family, friends and close people, in these difficult times."
The statement continued, offering support to the injured woman: "We also send all our support to the person who has been injured, our neighbour and companion, and we remain at the disposal of the families and all the affected people to offer any help that is necessary."
Storm Ingrid's Widespread Impact
This tragic incident occurred amidst severe weather disruptions caused by Storm Ingrid across the Balearic Islands and mainland Spain. The storm has brought:
- Heavy rainfall causing significant flooding
- Strong winds and lightning strikes
- Fallen trees and substantial travel disruption
- Dangerous sea conditions along coastal areas
In Ibiza, located south of Mallorca, similar weather patterns caused considerable disruption, while Spain's state meteorological agency, AEMET, issued rare red warnings in the northwest last week as the storm delivered heavy snow, powerful winds, and perilous maritime conditions.
Geological Assessment and Future Precautions
In the aftermath of the landslide, a team from the University of the Balearic Islands is scheduled to visit the site on Wednesday to conduct a thorough assessment of the cliff face. Their investigation will focus on identifying any compromised sections that might pose further risks to local residents and properties.
According to reports from 20minutos, all seven residents of the affected house were present at home during the accident, highlighting the sudden and unpredictable nature of such geological events during extreme weather episodes.
