Panic erupted at a Spanish nursery school in Valencia when children and staff were forced to flee after a man set himself on fire just metres from their playground.
The horrifying incident unfolded on Wednesday morning when emergency services received multiple calls reporting a person had doused themselves in petrol and ignited the flammable liquid near the educational facility.
Dramatic footage captured the chaotic scenes as teachers rushed to evacuate terrified youngsters from the building while black smoke billowed into the sky from the adjacent area.
Rapid Emergency Response
Local police, firefighters and multiple ambulance units descended on the scene within minutes of the first emergency calls. Witnesses reported seeing the individual engulfed in flames before emergency crews could intervene.
According to official reports, the man sustained severe burns and was rushed to a nearby hospital where he remains in critical condition. Medical sources confirmed his injuries are life-threatening.
Psychological Impact on Children
Child psychologists have been dispatched to the nursery to support both children and staff members who witnessed the traumatic event. Parents were immediately notified and many rushed to collect their children following the evacuation.
"The mental wellbeing of these young children is our absolute priority," a local education official stated. "We have specialist teams working with everyone affected to ensure they receive the appropriate support during this difficult time."
Community in Shock
Local residents expressed their horror at the incident, with many questioning how such a traumatic event could occur so close to a children's facility. The nursery has temporarily closed while authorities complete their investigation and ensure the safety of the premises.
Police have confirmed they are not treating the incident as a targeted attack against the nursery, but rather as a tragic mental health crisis involving a single individual.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding this disturbing event that has left an entire community reeling.
