A catastrophic fire has engulfed a residential apartment block in Valencia, Spain, with emergency services confirming at least four fatalities in one of the city's most devastating urban fires.
The inferno began on Thursday afternoon at a multi-storey building in the Campanar neighbourhood, rapidly consuming the structure as thick black smoke billowed into the sky, visible from across the city. Terrified residents were seen gathering on balconies, desperately calling for help as flames surrounded them.
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
More than twenty firefighting units rushed to the scene, battling the ferocious blaze while attempting to rescue trapped occupants. Distressing footage captured by local media showed firefighters using cranes to reach people stranded on upper floors as orange flames erupted from windows.
Spanish television broadcasts showed the building's facade completely blackened, with much of the structure reduced to a charred skeleton. Local authorities have established a perimeter around the area as emergency medical teams treat survivors at the scene.
Community in Shock
The Campanar neighbourhood has been plunged into mourning as residents watch emergency crews work through the night. Local schools have opened their doors to provide shelter for those displaced by the disaster, while community centres are offering support to affected families.
Valencia's mayor, María José Catalá, expressed her profound sorrow, stating: "This is a terrible tragedy for our city. Our emergency services are doing everything possible, and we stand with all the families affected by this devastating fire."
Investigation Underway
While the cause of the fire remains unknown, authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blaze. Questions are already emerging about building safety standards and the rapid spread of the fire through the residential block.
The Spanish government has offered its full support to regional authorities, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressing his solidarity with the victims and their families during this "terribly difficult time."
