Tragedy Strikes at Spanish Retirement Home
Devastating Fire Kills at Least 10 Elderly Residents
At least 10 elderly people were killed when a fire ripped through a retirement home in the northern Spanish town of Villafranca del Ebro early on Friday, authorities said. The blaze started in one of the rooms, Fernando Beltran, the national government’s top official in the region, told reporters.
Details of the Tragedy
All the victims were elderly people living in the "Jardines de Villafranca" residence, Beltran added. The fire started at around 5 a.m. (0400 GMT) and it took around two hours for firefighters to put it out, a spokesperson for the regional government said.
Response to the Disaster
Two people were in a critical condition and several were being treated, mainly for smoke inhalation, mayor Volga Ramirez, said. Ramirez said her husband helped evacuate the elderly. Firefighters – who came from around Zaragoza, a city 35 km (22 miles) away – were at the scene with ambulances and police, the regional government spokesperson said.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire was still being investigated. The regional government has promised to provide support to the families of the victims and to help with the investigation.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of life at the retirement home in Villafranca del Ebro is a devastating reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for effective emergency response measures. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and the community affected by this tragedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many people were killed in the fire?
A: At least 10 elderly people were killed.
Q: Where did the fire start?
A: The blaze started in one of the rooms of the "Jardines de Villafranca" residence.
Q: How long did it take for firefighters to put out the fire?
A: It took around two hours for firefighters to put out the fire.
Q: What were the injuries of the people affected by the fire?
A: Two people were in a critical condition and several were being treated, mainly for smoke inhalation.
Q: Who came to help with the evacuation?
A: Mayor Volga Ramirez’s husband helped evacuate the elderly.