A fire that erupted in a care home early Friday morning in Villafranca de Ebro, Spain, has resulted in the tragic deaths of ten individuals, with several others injured.
Tragedy Strikes Care Home in Spain: Ten Lives Lost in Fire
Tragedy Strikes Care Home in Spain: Ten Lives Lost in Fire
At least ten fatalities confirmed in a devastating fire at a dementia care facility in northeastern Spain.
The incident took place shortly before 5 AM when emergency services were alerted to the fire at the facility, which housed 82 residents. The care home, which has been operating for 16 years, primarily catered to residents with dementia and mental health challenges. Local officials indicated that firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, but smoke inhalation has been identified as the primary cause of the numerous fatalities.
Witness accounts suggest a possible source of the fire may have been a mattress igniting in one of the rooms. While the single-storey building sustained little fire damage, the smoke proved deadly. Villafranca de Ebro's mayor, who reported his husband trying to rescue residents, emphasized the intense smoke conditions that hindered escape.
Two individuals were hospitalized following the fire, including one in critical condition. Assessing the gravity of the incident, Fernando Beltrán, the Spanish government's delegate in the Aragón region, expressed his condolences and assured that the investigation into the cause of the fire will continue to be monitored.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed his shock and sadness over the tragedy, which echoes a similar incident from nine years ago when a fire at another retirement home in the Zaragoza area claimed nine lives. Details regarding the ages of the deceased have yet to be disclosed, and local officials have arranged alternative accommodations for the home’s residents who survived the disaster.
Witness accounts suggest a possible source of the fire may have been a mattress igniting in one of the rooms. While the single-storey building sustained little fire damage, the smoke proved deadly. Villafranca de Ebro's mayor, who reported his husband trying to rescue residents, emphasized the intense smoke conditions that hindered escape.
Two individuals were hospitalized following the fire, including one in critical condition. Assessing the gravity of the incident, Fernando Beltrán, the Spanish government's delegate in the Aragón region, expressed his condolences and assured that the investigation into the cause of the fire will continue to be monitored.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed his shock and sadness over the tragedy, which echoes a similar incident from nine years ago when a fire at another retirement home in the Zaragoza area claimed nine lives. Details regarding the ages of the deceased have yet to be disclosed, and local officials have arranged alternative accommodations for the home’s residents who survived the disaster.
