Bomb threat prompts swift evacuation near Madrid’s CDTI center
A bomb warning disrupted the Center for Technological Development and Innovation, a body operating under Spain’s Ministry of Science and Innovation. The National Police ordered the orderly evacuation of about 150 people as investigators assessed the alert. Authorities later labeled the call a false alarm caused by a malicious report.
The incident unfolded at the CDTI facility, situated at Calle del Cid, number 4, in central Madrid. The alert arrived around 2:30 p.m. on a Wednesday, triggering a rapid security response while teams checked for potential danger and verified the credibility of the threat.
Streets affected by the perimeter included Villas, Recoletos, Villanueva, and Calle del Cid. Police lifted road restrictions and reopened these routes around 4:15 p.m., once it was confirmed that the area had been cleared and safe to access again.
At the time, a Science for Peace and Security program event was taking place at the CDTI site, bringing together scientists and members of the NATO community. The gathering occurred just as authorities moved to manage the security situation and coordinate with partners involved in the conference.
Witnesses described how responders issued clear instructions to those nearby. People reported hearing that a bomb threat was linked to Calle del Cid, while others were asked to move vehicles and clear spaces as precautionary measures were enacted.
Witness accounts reflected a tense atmosphere as officials coordinated evacuation procedures and security checks. One observer recalled the moment when a helicopter was referenced as part of the unfolding response, underscoring the scale of precautionary measures being considered during the investigation.
Another participant described the scene of enhanced police presence and the aggressive push to secure the area, noting that many residents and workers were moved away from the immediate vicinity as a safety precaution. The sense of urgency matched the gravity of the moment, even as authorities continued their assessment and confirmed the absence of any immediate danger.
Event at Casa América and political participants
The investigation into the bomb warning occurred in proximity to a conference venue hosting a regional gathering involving officials from the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean at Casa América in Madrid. The alignment of the alert with this location prompted authorities to prioritize safety while ensuring the conference proceeded with minimal interruption where possible.
The regional leadership presence at the event included high-ranking figures in economic and energy policy, who joined the proceedings during the morning hours. The focus extended to international cooperation and the exchange of ideas aimed at supporting regional development and technological progress. The presence of governing officials and business leaders highlighted the importance of maintaining a stable, secure environment for such high-profile discussions.
The participants in attendance included senior figures in economic policy and ecological transition, who contributed to conversations about innovation, industry, and collaboration across borders. Their involvement underscored the broader context in which the incident occurred, linking public safety with ongoing efforts to promote science, technology, and sustainable growth across regions.