Spain apparently tried to hide the truth about the explosion today in Madrid, originally calling it “controlled” even though it clearly was not: Shooting, Explosion During Madrid Police Sweep.

MADRID (Reuters) - Suspects sought for the Madrid train bombings apparently set off an explosion when cornered by police on Saturday, an Interior Ministry source said. Spanish media said a policeman was killed. …

A Reuters photographer at the scene heard the explosion and said a number of ambulances had rushed to the scene.

Witnesses said the facades had been blown out of the first three floors of the block of flats where the suspects had been holed up.

A Reuters reporter at the scene said two helicopters were circling above, shining searchlights on the area where the operation was under way.

Europa Press said police were trying to arrest three people who had taken refuge in a block of flats.

State radio had earlier said the explosion was a “controlled” one.