Massive Fire Engulfs Residential Buildings in Valencia, Spain, Leaving Four Dead and Dozens Missing

A massive fire tore through residential buildings in Valencia, Spain, on Thursday, resulting in the loss of at least four lives and leaving up to 19 people missing. The blaze, which engulfed a 14-storey apartment block in the Campanar neighborhood, quickly spread to an adjoining building, prompting a large-scale emergency response.

The fire, fueled by highly flammable cladding on the building, escalated rapidly, with firefighters risking their lives to rescue residents from balconies. Among the casualties were a seven-year-old child and six firefighters. Emergency services reported at least 14 people injured, with various degrees of burns, fractures, and smoke inhalation. The injured were promptly transferred to hospitals for medical care.

The tragic incident unfolded in the early evening, around 5:30 pm local time, as flames burst from the windows of the residential complex. The 14-story building, which housed more than 130 apartments and approximately 450 residents, was soon reduced to a skeletal structure by the ferocious blaze. Valencia’s Mayor, Maria Jose Catala, urged the public to stay away from the area to facilitate the work of emergency services.

Firefighters, deploying 22 units and five ambulances, battled the intense flames exacerbated by strong winds. Dramatic scenes unfolded as residents sought refuge on balconies, awaiting rescue. Two residents were lifted to safety using a crane, showcasing the perilous conditions faced by both occupants and first responders.

As the city grappled with the aftermath, questions arose about the building’s construction materials. The structure, built in 2008-09, raised concerns due to the presence of highly flammable cladding. Esther Puchades, vice president of the College of Industrial Technical Engineers of Valencia, emphasized the combustibility of the polyurethane material and aluminum covering used in the exterior.

The incident has reignited discussions about building safety standards, echoing parallels to the Grenfell Tower tragedy in London in 2017. The rapid spread of the fire within minutes underscored the potential dangers associated with certain construction materials.

Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, expressed shock and solidarity, offering all necessary assistance to the city. He posted on social media, stating, “Dismayed by the terrible fire in a building in Valencia… I want to convey my solidarity to all the people affected and recognition to all the emergency personnel already deployed at the scene.”

Valencia has declared three days of official mourning as the search for missing individuals continues. Firefighters, hindered by the building’s compromised structure, are working diligently to cool down the exterior before attempting entry.