Two Workers Die in Benidorm Scaffolding Collapse as Colleague Clings to Balcony

Scaffolding Gives Way at 18-Storey Benidorm Tower

Two workers have died after scaffolding collapsed at an 18-storey residential tower block in Benidorm on Wednesday morning. The tragedy occurred at the Principality of Europe building on Calle Ibiza, where a team of workers were carrying out energy efficiency improvements including solar panel installation and ventilated facade work.

Emergency services received the call at approximately 10:50am. A SAMU (Emergency Medical Service) unit, a Basic Life Support team and firefighters all attended the scene, working through rubble to locate and assist victims.

What Happened

The workers were in the process of dismantling the scaffolding from the top down when the structure gave way halfway down the wall of the second tower. The collapse caused both victims to fall fatally to the ground below.

A third worker narrowly escaped death by managing to grab hold of a balcony as the scaffolding fell, avoiding the drop. Emergency services continued inspecting the scene after the initial response to rule out the possibility of any further individuals trapped in the debris.

The identities of the two deceased workers have not been disclosed. The cause of the collapse remains unknown and is under investigation.

The Building and the Works

The Principality of Europe is a large residential high-rise, a type of building that defines much of Benidorm's distinctive skyline. The work being carried out — energy efficiency improvements including solar panel installation and a ventilated facade — is increasingly common across older tower blocks in the Valencian Community as owners seek to reduce energy costs and meet modern building standards.

Scaffolding on high-rise buildings presents particular risks, and the dismantling phase — when the structure is being taken down section by section — is considered one of the most hazardous stages of any scaffolding operation.

Investigation Under Way

Spanish workplace safety law requires a formal investigation into any fatal industrial accident. The Labour Inspectorate (Inspección de Trabajo) will lead the investigation into the cause of the collapse and whether correct safety protocols were being followed at the time of the accident.

Construction remains one of the sectors with the highest rate of workplace fatalities in Spain. Falls from height — whether from scaffolding, ladders or building edges — account for a significant proportion of those deaths each year.

Our thoughts are with the families of the two workers who lost their lives.

This article is based on reporting from The Olive Press, published April 22, 2026. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.