Three workers have been rescued after a major fire broke out at the construction site of a new hotel in Sevilla on Wednesday morning.
The blaze erupted at around 11am at the Vera Sevilla development, which is transforming the former Altadis tobacco factory site next to the Puente de Los Remedios.
Dramatic footage showed flames and a huge column of thick black smoke rising above the construction site, which could be seen from across the Andalucian capital.
Several explosions were also reportedly heard while the fire was burning, although it is not yet known what caused them.
The blaze is believed to have started while welding work was being carried out on the ground floor of the future hotel, according to initial information from municipal sources.
The flames are then thought to have reached a type of fibre material being used during construction, allowing the fire to spread rapidly and producing the intense smoke.
Workers were ordered to evacuate the site immediately as the emergency response was launched.
However, at least three workers remained inside the building and had to be rescued by firefighters.
There have been no reported injuries.
Meanwhile, 112 Andalucia received dozens of calls from concerned residents after the enormous plume of smoke became visible across the city.
The fire broke out within Vera Sevilla, the major – and controversial – redevelopment of the former Altadis tobacco factory in Los Remedios.
The project is set to transform the historic industrial site into a new mixed-use complex, with the fire affecting the building currently being converted into its hotel.
Izquierda Unida filed a complaint with Sevilla prosecutors in December 2025 over aspects of the Vera Sevilla/Altadis redevelopment.
It alleged possible planning and administrative irregularities surrounding works next to the site, including the conversion of around 700 square metres of the Manuel Ferrand public park into parking space and the removal of mature trees.
There is no suggestion of foul play with regards to Wednesday’s fire.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
