Loud Bang, Then Flames: Car Burns on the Paseo Marítimo in Palma

Sudden bang — seconds later the fire roared to life

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It was one of those evenings when the promenade is still lively just before 9 p.m.: runners, a few tourists with cameras, the scent of sea and fresh coffee. Then a loud bang. And practically in the next breath a car erupted in flames on the Paseo Marítimo.

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Witnesses say it was a BMW 318. "He had just got out, slammed the door and walked away," said a woman sitting in a sidewalk cafe. The first flames shot up from under the car, a dark-gray plume of smoke rose over the street — a sight that caused many to stop and pull out their phones.

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First aid from bystanders, then professional responders

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A bus driver from nearby jumped in with a handheld extinguisher and tried to curb the flames. A courageous attempt, but the flames kept flaring up. Shortly after, the harbor police arrived, cordoned off the area and diverted traffic. A traffic jam quickly formed; taxi drivers honked, passersby murmured, dogs barked — typical Palma on such an evening.

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The Palma professional fire brigade was on the scene within minutes. Using hoses and protective gear, the responders were able to bring the fire under control and extinguish it. However, the car burned out largely. Fortunately the driver was unharmed and was not taken to a hospital.

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Cause still unclear — traffic remained affected

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Official information on the cause of the fire is not yet available. Whether a technical fault, a short circuit, or something else is behind it is now being investigated. On-site, the smell of burnt rubber and gasoline lingered in the air; locals reported that streetlights had already come on when the smoke plume became visible.

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The scene reminded how quickly an ordinary evening can turn into a small spectacle. For a short time there was alarm, then slowly normality returned: the barriers were removed, cars flowed again, and pedestrians continued along the bay — some still with an uneasy feeling, others already discussing the next evening program.

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If you saw something or have information about the cause, please contact the police. Such events raise questions — and sometimes you only realize afterward how close a small mishap is.