Over 70 people have been injured in an explosion in Vélez Málaga last night when, it is believed, a butane bottle in Bar La Bohemia exploded.

The incident, which could have been worse if the cook had not warned passersby about a gas leak in the kitchen, occurred in Pasaje Montera in the town centre,

All told 74 people were affected: 20 of them with slight injuries, all of whom were taken to the town’s medical centre and have since been allowed home. Another 54 were taken to the area hospital and as of 21.00h yesterday evening, twelve had been treated and sent home.

Four people are hospitalised in a ‘serious condition,’ one of whom has been operated upon. One victim, a child, came close to losing an eye.

Such was the number of injured people needing transportation to the hospital and medical centre that the ambulances available proved to be too few, resulting in some victims being taken in police cars to the hospital.

At first, as the blast took place in the vicinity of a political headquarters, it was thought that it had been the target of a bombing.

The emergency number 112 received dozens of calls starting at 19.00h, reporting an explosion in a bar on calle Montera. The explosion caused scenes of chaos in the town, which is holding its fair at the moment.

More later in the day when more information is received.

(News: Velez Malaga, Axarquia, Costa Tropical, Malaga, Andalucia)