The Prime Minister of Spain expresses astonishment and assures that the eastern city will receive “all the necessary support.”
A massive fire engulfing two residential buildings in Valencia, eastern Spain, has resulted in at least four fatalities, with survivors seen trapped on balconies awaiting rescue.
Officials report that at least thirteen people, including six firefighters, have suffered from burns, fractures, and smoke inhalation, with nineteen others still missing.
Jorge Suarez, the assistant director of emergency services in Valencia, stated that firefighters remained outside the building for several hours after the fire started before attempting to enter.
According to the Spanish news agency EFE, the fire broke out early Thursday evening and spread from one apartment block to a smaller building adjacent to it.
Residents had to be rescued from their balconies as thick, black smoke billowed from the buildings and the flames came dangerously close.
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The Spanish weather agency recorded winds of 40 kilometres per hour (25 miles per hour) at the time, which may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
In the Campanar neighbourhood, soldiers from an emergency unit joined firefighters on site, while medical personnel set up a tent to treat the injured.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain expressed his “shock” at the tragedy and assured that “all necessary support” would be provided to the city.
Mr. Sanchez expressed his solidarity with those affected and praised the emergency teams deployed to the scene via X.
