Tourist Bar Collapse in La Rioja Injures 12, Traps Dozens During Wine Fest Crawl

At least 12 people were injured and dozens more were trapped after a partial collapse at Bar Tempranillo, a tourist bar in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, La Rioja, in the early hours of Saturday, Oct. 3.

What Happened

Spanish authorities say the incident occurred at about 5:25 a.m. local time. Initial local reports and footage indicate the bar's floor gave way and part of the ceiling subsequently collapsed while the venue was taking part in a Wine Fest bar crawl. The Spanish Civil Guard described the event on X as a "partial collapse inside the premises" and said around 50 people were present at the time.

Emergency first responders arrive at the site where a tourist bar collapsed in Spain on Oct. 3Credit: Guardia Civil/X

Rescue Efforts and Injuries

Emergency teams worked at the scene to rescue patrons from among the rubble. Reuters, citing the Civil Guard, reported that between 25 and 30 people were trapped and required extrication. At least 12 people received medical treatment and were taken to local hospitals: six injured were transported to San Pedro Hospital in Logroño and two were taken to the Haro Health Center. One man was reported to have suffered a broken leg.

"We never imagined this had happened," a neighbor told regional outlet La Rioja, adding that the most important thing was that people were safe.

Damage, Local Response and Road Closures

Video shared by the Civil Guard on social media shows ceilings and interior walls partially caved in with debris scattered across the floor. San Vicente de la Sonsierra's mayor, Ramón Ramírez, said officials plan to declare the building in imminent danger of collapse so that owners can take action. "We've been assessing the situation, shoring up what we can, but now we have to start clearing the rubble. The second floor is hanging by a thread, precariously suspended from a dividing wall," he said, according to La Rioja.

At least 12 injured as dozens trapped after Spain tourist bar collapses on Oct. 3Credit: Guardia Civil/X

Authorities closed Zumalacarregui Street, where the bar is located, to traffic until at least Monday, Oct. 5, while emergency and structural teams secure the area and continue the investigation.

Ongoing Investigation

The Civil Guard and local authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse. Regional outlets La Rioja and Cope and international wire service Reuters have been reporting on the rescue and recovery. PEOPLE has contacted the Civil Guard for comment as inquiries continue.