Ten dead in fire at Spanish care home

At least 10 people have been confirmed dead and several others injured in a devastating fire at a care home in Villafranca de Ebro, near Zaragoza in northeastern Spain. The fire broke out early on Friday morning, leaving a tragic toll on the elderly residents and staff at the facility, which specializes in dementia and mental health care. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, but despite their efforts, the fire claimed multiple lives and left others in critical condition.

The fire occurred around 5:00 AM local time, and local officials confirmed that 82 people were living in the home at the time. The care home, which opened 16 years ago, initially served as a retirement residence but later focused on providing specialized care for individuals with dementia and mental health disorders.

Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames, but the smoke proved to be the most deadly aspect of the disaster. While the building, a single-storey structure, sustained little direct fire damage, smoke inhalation was a major factor in the high number of fatalities. Two people were taken to the hospital, including one whose condition was described as critical. Local authorities indicated that the fire may have been triggered by a mattress catching fire in one of the rooms, though the exact cause is still under investigation.

Volga Ramírez, the mayor of Villafranca de Ebro, spoke to Spanish radio, explaining the harrowing circumstances. “My husband went in to get people out. You couldn’t even breathe because of the smoke,” she said. The mayor’s account highlighted the intense smoke conditions that hampered evacuation efforts and contributed to the high death toll.

Authorities have yet to confirm the ages of those who perished in the blaze, but most of the residents were elderly, and many had limited mobility due to their conditions. The fire’s impact has been profound on the local community, with many expressing grief and shock over the loss of life.

The Spanish government has expressed its condolences and pledged to support the investigation into the fire’s cause. Fernando Beltrán, the Spanish government’s delegate in Aragón, confirmed that authorities would continue to monitor the condition of those hospitalized and follow up on the investigation. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also offered his sympathies, stating that the government would ensure that all necessary resources were provided to the victims and their families.

This tragedy is not the first fatal fire at a care home in the region. Nine years ago, a similar fire at another retirement facility in Zaragoza left nine people dead. Local authorities are under increasing pressure to ensure that safety standards are met at care homes, particularly for those with limited mobility or health challenges, who are more vulnerable in such emergencies.

As the investigation continues, officials are focusing on the cause of the fire, with initial reports suggesting it may have started from a mattress. However, the role of smoke inhalation remains a critical factor in the deaths, raising concerns about fire safety measures at care facilities. The Spanish government and emergency services have pledged to review protocols and ensure that measures are in place to prevent such disasters in the future.

The tragedy has shaken the small town of Villafranca de Ebro, where the care home had been a key part of the community for many years. Local residents have rallied around the victims’ families, offering support and condolences in the wake of the disaster.

Authorities have said they will release more information as the investigation into the fire progresses. Meanwhile, the focus remains on the well-being of those injured and the families who have lost loved ones in this heartbreaking incident.