Xisco Caimari, in charge of Mallorca Fire and Rescue's investigation of the dining-room collapse at the Hotel Rey Don Jaime in Santa Ponsa, says the hotel's proximity to wet areas appears to have been a cause.
Referring to the nearby torrent and the beach, Caimari explained on Friday that the water table, the water under the ground, is quite high. "This means the structure and beams are significantly affected. It's also relevant that we're talking about a hotel built in the 1970s."
There was major renovation at the hotel some ten years ago, while various improvements have been made over time.
"The construction system is the same throughout, a raised foundation. So it's best to thoroughly inspect everything to avoid problems like the one we have had. The company has decided to close the hotel."
At the time of the incident on Friday night, there were 520 people staying at the hotel, the majority of them British. On Friday, the hotel's operator, Zafiro, organised taxis and coaches to transfer the guests to other hotels in the Zafiro chain. The general feeling among the guests was one of praise for the company's swift response. The incident itself resulted in only two people with minor injuries.
Zafiro's communications director, Josu Puelles, stressed that the company's priority has been "safety". "All of the guests will be relocated to hotels within the same chain. If there are any problems, if any unforeseen issues arise regarding capacity, there will be alternatives."
The hotel is hardly unique in having been built in an area with a high water table or indeed directly in wetland areas. There are plenty of similar examples in Mallorca and of hotels that are at least fifty years old.