Blast at Madrid hospital housing Spanish king

Suspected gas explosion at hospital in Spanish capital where King Juan Carlos has been recovering from hip operation.

Spain explosion
Five people were injured in Wednesday's blaze that resulted from an oxygen tank explosion [GALLO/GETTY]

A gas explosion has occurred inside a hospital in the Spanish capital, Madrid, where King Juan Carlos has been recovering from a hip operation.

Five people were injured in Wednesday’s blaze that resulted from an oxygen tank explosion which was stored on the ground floor of the hospital.

A palace spokesman said the fire started before 8am local time on Wednesday on the opposite side of La Milagrosa hospital.

The royal palace said that the monarch was fine and did not have to be moved.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of palace regulations.

A Spanish television said the fire started in a boiler room and caused some blasts. No one was seriously injured.

Hospital spokesman Eduardo Gismero said the fire was put out.

Source: Al Jazeera, News Agencies