MADRID — A devastating fire at the “Jardines de Villafranca” retirement home in the small northern town of Villafranca del Ebro has resulted in the tragic loss of at least ten elderly lives, authorities confirmed on Friday. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of the morning, has left the community in mourning and has spurred a detailed investigation into the cause of the blaze.
Incident Details:
- The fire broke out around 5 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) and it took firefighters approximately two hours to bring the flames under control.
- Fernando Beltrán, the national government’s delegate in the region, confirmed that the fire originated in one of the rooms within the facility.
Casualties and Evacuation:
- All the victims were elderly residents of the home.
- In addition to the fatalities, two individuals are reported to be in critical condition, with several others receiving treatment, primarily for smoke inhalation.
- Local mayor Volga Ramírez noted that her husband played a crucial role in evacuating the residents during the emergency.
Emergency Response:
- Firefighters from Zaragoza, located approximately 35 kilometers away, along with ambulances and police, responded to the scene. Their efforts were crucial in containing the fire and providing emergency aid.
Investigation:
- The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials promising a thorough examination to understand how the incident occurred and to prevent future tragedies.
This incident has highlighted the vulnerability of care facilities to such emergencies, prompting calls for stricter safety measures in retirement homes across Spain.
