Fire Kills at least 4 in Valencia

Emergency services have confirmed that at least four individuals have lost their lives, with up to 15 others currently missing, following a catastrophic fire that swept through two interconnected apartment complexes in Valencia, Spain.

The fire initially engulfed a 14-story building located in the Campanar neighborhood before spreading to an adjacent structure. Dramatic scenes unfolded as firefighters bravely rescued individuals trapped on balconies. Experts attribute the rapid spread of the flames to the presence of highly flammable cladding on the building’s exterior.

According to reports from Spanish newspaper El Pais, the complex comprised 138 flats and housed approximately 450 residents. Among the casualties are 15 individuals, including six firefighters and a young child, who sustained injuries, though their conditions are reported to be stable.

Valencia Mayor María José Catalá has stated that efforts are underway to locate between nine and 15 missing persons, while the regional government’s representative has noted that 14 individuals remain unaccounted for.

Over 20 fire crews battled the blaze, exacerbated by strong winds. By early Friday, the once-standing structures had been reduced to charred shells, prompting authorities to advise the public to steer clear of the area.

Concerns have been raised in Spain regarding the construction materials used in the building, which was erected between 2008 and 2009. Esther Puchades, vice president of the College of Industrial Technical Engineers of Valencia, highlighted previous inspections of the building, noting the presence of polyurethane material and aluminum cladding on its exterior. Experts have emphasised that while such cladding may offer effective heat insulation, the ventilation gap between layers renders it highly flammable.

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