Beating at Playa de Palma: Six vacationers arrested, employee seriously injured

Late-night dispute escalates at Playa de Palma

On the night from Friday to Saturday, a verbal incident at Playa de Palma escalated into a physical brawl. Around 01:40 a.m., a senior employee of a disco is said to have started the confrontation – at least he shortly afterwards found himself facing a group of six holidaymakers.

Who was involved?

The National Police stated that those arrested consisted of four men from Austria and two from Bosnia. The group was staying in a nearby hotel; there the officers were able to locate a suspect, after which the other men were also detained.

The victim, a 48-year-old German, and according to eyewitnesses responsible for the hall in the nightclub, was found unconscious on the floor after the attack. He has injuries all over his body and, according to initial reports, several vertebrae fractures.

How did the act unfold?

Witnesses report a brief exchange of words, after which the six men allegedly attacked the employee together. Several people rushed to help, emergency services attended to the injured man. The perpetrators initially fled but did not go far: police and hotel staff helped with the clarification/investigation.

Meanwhile the officers are investigating for aggravated assault. The six suspects were temporarily detained and are to be presented in court soon.

A place, many voices

Playa de Palma is still well visited in late summer. Trouble in the evening hours is traditional here; some venues stay open until the early hours. Residents and staff on the promenade say such incidents cloud the season’s image – especially because the injuries this time were very serious.

"People expect a lot here, but not that someone would break four vertebrae," said an employee of a bar opposite, who asked to remain anonymous. Small clusters of fights in the past have repeatedly led to trouble and increased police presence.

What now?

The National Police have taken over the investigations. Witnesses will continue to be questioned, video footage from the venue and the promenade will be evaluated as evidence. The victim is receiving medical treatment; prospects of survival are good, but recovery is expected to take months, according to initial assessments.

For vacationers and night owls, an unpleasant reminder: Even at popular beaches a night can quickly get out of hand. If you are out late, look out for each other – and when in doubt, call the police rather than getting involved.