Blast partly destroys building in Madrid; cause not clear

MADRID: A loud explosion partially destroyed a small building flanked by a school and a nursing home in the center of Spain's capital on Wednesday. It was not clear what caused the blast.

Images and footage shared on social media showed a tower of smoke coming out from the six-story building and rubble scattered in Toledo Street, near the city center. Emergency crews could be seen aiding several people on the ground in video aired by Spanish public broadcaster. There were no immediate reports of deaths.