British Expat and Bar Owner Killed in Suspected Gas Explosion Sabotage in Southern Spain

An explosion at a bar in Spain killed two women, including a Brit

A British woman and a Moroccan bar owner have died following a suspected gas explosion at a bar in San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia, Spain. The blast, which occurred at around 12:15 p.m. last Thursday, injured 15 others and is now under investigation for possible sabotage.

The 56-year-old British expatriate, who lived in the Lo Pagan area, was reportedly visiting the weekly market when she was caught in the explosion outside Casa Javi bar. Her death was confirmed by the local town hall in a post on social media.

Emergency services at the Casa Javi bar in San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia

The second victim, 38-year-old Hind, the owner of Casa Javi, succumbed to severe burns after being hospitalized for a week. Both women had been fighting for their lives following the blast, which was initially believed to be accidental.

However, emerging details have cast doubt on the cause of the explosion. A Judicial Police inspection reportedly found that the seal of the butane gas canister was "sabotaged." Authorities are now investigating whether the incident was intentional.

Another 15 people were injured in the explosion

Local residents expressed concern over the bar, claiming it had long been a hotspot for disturbances. One resident described frequent fights and alleged the establishment may have operated as an unlicensed brothel. Police have not confirmed these claims.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the exact cause of the explosion and whether criminal charges will follow.

In a separate incident in Spain, British tourist Mary Gavin, 39, was found alive after vanishing for four days at sea near the Balearic island of Formentera. Gavin had failed to return a rented 15-foot motorboat, sparking a major maritime search.

She was rescued on Saturday after ferry passengers en route to Valencia spotted her waving from the sea while wearing a life jacket. She was taken to a hospital suffering from dehydration, severe sunburn, and mouth sores.

Alejandro Rosera, one of the ferry passengers, recounted the dramatic rescue, saying, “She had a life jacket on and another in her hand, making gestures. She was dehydrated and sunburnt. Once we got to Valencia, a large number of police and health professionals were waiting and assisted her immediately.”

The incident echoed a similar event last year when four men, including two British nationals, were rescued after spending four days lost at sea near Tenerife. They were found drifting 60 miles offshore and dehydrated before being saved by a Panamanian-flagged ship and the Spanish Civil Guard.