A devastating fire in the eastern Spanish city of Valencia has resulted in the tragic loss of at least four lives, with up to 15 individuals still unaccounted for. The fire swept through two interconnected apartment blocks in the Campanar neighborhood, specifically engulfing a 14-story building. Experts attribute the rapid spread of the flames to the highly flammable cladding on the structure. Fears arose that numerous residents had to hastily evacuate their apartments as the intense fire emitted thick clouds of black smoke into the sky. Reports from local media indicate desperate calls for assistance from several residents stranded on their balconies.
Images from the scene showed the entire facade of the building ablaze as burning segments fell to the pavement below, and small explosions were heard inside. Thousands of people have been evacuated, and some shops in the block have been closed to prevent further damage.
The flames ripped through the high-rise block of flats at around 5.30 pm on Thursday and were fanned by strong winds, which may have contributed to its quick spread. It is thought that an electrical fault started the blaze.
Local TVE public television reported about 130 flats in the building, which was quickly reduced to a skeleton. The fire caused massive disruption in the city of 800,000 people. Traffic came to a standstill, and the city was plunged into darkness as the fire devoured the buildings. The blaze triggered questions about the building materials used in the built-in 2008-09 block.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was shocked by the fire and contacted the mayor and region’s leader to offer all possible assistance. He also extended his condolences to all those affected by the disaster.
Firefighters were expected to enter the smoldering structure later on Friday. But authorities warned that the death toll could rise sharply as it was not yet clear how many people were trapped in the fire.
According to emergency services, the inferno began on the fourth floor of the building in an affluent neighborhood and rapidly spread to neighboring apartments. Television footage showed firefighters rescuing residents from the balconies of their homes while others were trapped on their terraces.
At least 14 people have been treated for injuries of varying degrees, six of them firefighters. A seven-year-old boy was among the victims. The fire has left the 14-story building a giant fire-blackened shell.
