Spain is in a state of shock after a fire broke out in a skyscraper in the Mediterranean metropolis of Valencia last night, with nine dead, 15 injured and one person still missing. Ten deaths had previously been reported, but police corrected the information last night.
What also caused horror was the rapid speed with which the fire spread from one apartment to the entire relatively new complex. Engineer David Higuera can only explain the explosive spread of fire with combustible parts of the facade cladding. The huge black cloud of smoke above the building can hardly be explained otherwise. Strong winds further fueled the fire.
Three days of mourning in Valencia
With first light yesterday, the full extent of the destruction became visible. Of the residential complex, completed a few years ago and of which one wing has 14 floors and the other twelve floors, all that remains are charred facades in front of a reinforced concrete structure. “Valencia has never experienced such a tragedy,” said Valencia Mayor Marie José Catala and declared a three-day mourning period for the city.
Memories of Grenfell Tower
The images of Valencia reminded engineer Higuera of the Grenfell fire disaster in London. In June 2017, 72 people died in a fire in a high-rise building. There, too, the fire spread quickly through the insulation of the facade.
The fire disaster caused consternation throughout Spain. TV stations reported live in special programs. The government and opposition expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and promised support to those affected. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also traveled to the scene of the accident yesterday and assured those affected by state aid. Some of the now homeless residents were staying with relatives or friends, others were taken to hotels and guesthouses.
Because of the huge fire, football games scheduled for the weekend by the city's clubs were also cancelled. The Spanish Football Federation RFEF has responded to a request from first division club Valencia CF, the club announced. The Spanish league also announced that a minute of silence will be held for the victims at all games this weekend.