Part of the roof of the long-closed Cine Iris in Palma collapsed following heavy rainfall, prompting an emergency response from firefighters and Local Police. The building stands directly beside CEIP El Vivero primary school, and the partial collapse occurred at around 10am while pupils were in class. No injuries were reported, although the incident caused alarm at the school.
Emergency crews inspected the property and found that part of the roof had fallen in the section furthest from the school playground. However, officers also raised concerns about a pillar within the building, prompting fears about the structure’s stability. The cause of the collapse has not been confirmed, although it followed several hours of heavy rain.
CEIP El Vivero headteacher Aina Capó said the collapse had happened during the school day, when children were attending lessons. She described a moment of panic and expressed concern about the potential implications for the school. The cinema is immediately adjacent to the playground, making the condition of the abandoned building a particular concern for the school community.
The school had previously raised concerns about the property after reporting falling masonry. Capó confirmed that Palma City Council had been notified immediately following the latest incident. The collapse has renewed attention on the condition of the long-disused cinema and the potential risks posed by its proximity to pupils and school facilities.
Cine Iris is owned by an investment fund, but Palma City Council has previously announced plans to acquire and demolish the building before incorporating the site into CEIP El Vivero. The school has been calling for an expansion for years to address its need for additional space. The latest incident adds urgency to concerns surrounding the future of the site, although no new timetable for the proposed acquisition or demolition has been confirmed.