Massive Fire Engulfs High-Rise Block in Valencia
February 22, 2024
A massive fire in a high-rise residential block in Valencia, Spain has resulted in multiple fatalities, according to emergency services. The fire broke out in a 14-storey building in the Campanar neighbourhood, quickly spreading to a neighboring structure. Firefighters valiantly conducted rescue missions, pulling individuals to safety from balconies. Unfortunately, at least four people are confirmed dead, while another 19 are still unaccounted for.
The fast-moving blaze, fueled by high winds, raised concerns regarding the potential involvement of highly flammable cladding in the rapid spread of the fire. A total of 14 people, including six firefighters and a young child, was reported injured. Over 20 fire crews worked tirelessly throughout the night, ultimately leaving the blackened shell of what was once a multi-storey residential block in their wake.
The building was home to 450 residents living in 138 flats, as cited by El Pais newspaper. Media footage captured intense efforts by firefighters employing cranes to rescue individuals, including a couple residing on the seventh floor. Eyewitnesses recount the escalation of the fire within a mere 10 minutes, speculating that the materials used on the building facade might have contributed to the speed of the blaze.
Amid the ongoing investigation, questions have been raised regarding the building’s construction materials. Esther Puchades, a spokesperson from the College of Industrial Technical Engineers of Valencia, revealed that the building’s exterior features a polyurethane material known for its combustibility.
David Higuera, an engineer interviewed by El País, stressed that the building’s cladding, composed of aluminum plates and foam insulation, possesses excellent insulating properties but is highly combustible. The matter raises concerns about the potential negligence in fire safety measures during construction.
Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, expressed solidarity with those affected by the tragedy and emphasized the commitment of emergency personnel currently on-site. A field hospital has been established in the area to treat injuries, and authorities have arranged accommodations for individuals displaced from their homes in nearby hotels.
Image source: Getty Images
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