The devastating fire that broke out this Thursday in a residential building in the city of Valencia has culminated in a tragic night, with four people dead, 14 injured and 19 missing. The flames, which began around 5:30 p.m. in a building on the corner of General Avilés and Maestro Rodrigo streets, in the Campanar neighborhood, quickly spread and engulfed the building made up of two towers.
Firefighters, faced with a fire fueled by winds of up to 60 km/h, have worked intensely to contain the flames that threatened to completely devour the block of 138 homes. Among the injured are six firefighters and eight civilians, whose ages range from 25 to 81 years, including a minor under 7 years old. The majority have required hospitalization, except for two women who were discharged on site. In a heroic display, rescuers saved a young couple trapped on a balcony, using a crane to bring them to safety, in an act that was applauded by the crowds gathered in the area, eager for news of their loved ones.
As the night progressed, Jorge Suárez, deputy director general of Emergencies, confirmed to the press the discovery of four deceased people inside the affected buildings. “It is a dark moment for our community and our priorities are now focused on supporting the families of the missing and continuing with the rescue and extinction efforts,” Suárez said. The Military Emergency Unit (UME) was called to support the rescue.
The Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, after meeting at the site of the accident with representatives of the Generalitat Valenciana and the Valencia mayor’s office, conveyed the condolences of the Spanish Government to the families of the victims. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. From the Government, we extend all our support and resources to overcome this challenge,” said Morant. This support adds to the displays of solidarity expressed by national figures, including the kings and the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, who offered immediate assistance to the Generalitat and the City Council.
Facade with polyurethane
Witnesses to the fire have pointed out that the flames have ignited “very quickly” in a very short time and “a brutal cloud of smoke has formed, it has practically become night.” The fire in this building with a ventilated façade and polyurethane coating will create “a before and after” in Spain, where until now no similar incident had occurred, although there have been events in London or China a few years ago. explained the vice-secretary of the College of Industrial Technical Engineers of Valencia (Cogitival) and expert in accident-fire assessment, Esther Puchades. According to Puchades, the use of polyurethane is not prohibited in construction, but given the virulence of this fire, its use could be reconsidered.
The tragedy has sparked a wave of solidarity among Valencians, with neighbors offering accommodation, clothing and food to the victims. This act of community stands in the midst of pain, illustrating the city’s resilience and spirit of solidarity in the face of adversity. Messages of support have not only been limited to national spheres; People across the country have taken advantage of social media to express their dismay and solidarity with the victims and their families, sending words of encouragement and offering help in any way possible.
As Valencia wakes up to the harsh reality of this incident, the City Council has declared three days of official mourning, a period during which the city will reflect and honor the memory of those who have lost their lives on this night marked by tragedy.
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