Car Fire on Palma's Promenade – Dense Smoke and Detours

Fire on the Promenade: Car Catches Fire Across from the Congress Center

On Wednesday around 5:45 p.m., a fire broke out on the Paseo Marítimo in Palma, briefly causing alarm among passersby and residents. A silver small car suddenly caught fire, a column of black smoke rose over the seafront promenade and was still visible from several side streets.

Rapid reaction, noticeable impact

Several eyewitnesses described how the flames spread within just a few minutes. “I was sitting on the bench at the Beach Club; suddenly there was a burnt smell and people were shouting,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous. The fire department arrived quickly and was able to extinguish the fire promptly. According to the responders, the vehicle could not be saved.

The police ordered a temporary lane closure to secure the scene. This caused delays on the section toward Portixol; sightseeing buses and delivery traffic had to be rerouted. For residents of the surrounding buildings, the dense smoke was particularly unpleasant — windows were closed, children brought inside.

No injuries, cause unclear

Fortunately, as of now there are no reports of injuries. A tow truck later removed the burnt wreck. Police investigators have taken over the investigation into the cause; initial indications in the incident report point to overheating in the engine compartment, but this has not yet been confirmed.

The scene was located just a few meters from the Congress Center — a popular area for pedestrians and cyclists. The idea that a vehicle could suddenly catch fire there unsettled many: “That could have ended differently if more people had been out,” said a taxi driver who passed the area shortly after the fire was extinguished.

What residents and visitors should know now

If you are in the vicinity of the Paseo Marítimo this evening, expect minor traffic disruptions and please follow the instructions of the emergency services. If you are sensitive to smoke, keep windows and doors closed; nearby pharmacies typically stock allergy medications.

At the town hall, officials said they take the incident seriously and will review possible safety measures along the promenade. Such incidents are rare, but they remind us how quickly everyday situations can change — especially in the warmer months when engines and air conditioning systems are under greater strain.

We will stay on the story and report as soon as the police release more details on the cause of the fire.