Early Friday morning, a devastating fire broke out at a nursing home in Villafranca de Ebro, near Zaragoza, Spain. The blaze resulted in the tragic loss of at least 10 lives, with several others sustaining injuries. The facility, which catered to individuals with dementia and mental health issues, housed a total of 82 residents.
Local authorities reported that firefighters were able to extinguish the flames, but not before the fire claimed the lives of 10 individuals. Two people remain in critical condition as a result of the incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, as officials work to determine what sparked the deadly blaze.
Mayor Volga Ramírez of Villafranca de Ebro stated that the victims likely succumbed to smoke inhalation rather than burns. The intense smoke generated by the fire is believed to have been the primary cause of the fatalities. Jorge Azcón, the head of the regional government of Aragon, confirmed the tragic deaths and announced the cancellation of all government events in the region for the day.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his shock and condolences following the tragic incident. This devastating fire comes on the heels of recent flash floods in the Valencia region, which resulted in over 200 fatalities and widespread destruction. The combination of these natural disasters has deeply impacted Spain and its communities.
