Speaking about the collapse of part of a roof at Palma Airport on Tuesday, one airport employee said it was a miracle there hadn't been a tragedy. "What if someone had been buying something from one of the vending machines at the time?" Fortunately, no one had been.
"A miracle." The word has been repeated often since 4.30pm on Tuesday, which was when glass and materials fell into an area near baggage reclaim. For Miguel Sañudo of the USO union the words are "lack of safety". He refers to work that has been ongoing at the airport for several weeks.
"Ever since it began, complaints have been made about the lack of safety, but no action has been taken. AENA (the airports authority) has informed us that there have been isolated incidents, but those who work there know better." Incidents, he claims, are "a daily occurrence".
"It's no longer a risk area for workers, but now it's also a risk area for passengers," says Susana Carballido of the CCOO union. "We have reported all of this to the labour inspectorate, but AENA hasn't provided us with any information." As far as Tuesday's incident is concerned, the airport is carrying out an internal investigation.
Carballido adds that there will be a union meeting to discuss steps to be taken because of the incident. "Fortunately there were no injuries, but if something ever happens, we'll then see who is responsible."