At least 10 residents lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries in a devastating fire at a nursing home in Villafranca de Ebro, near Zaragoza, Spain, early Friday morning.
Local authorities confirmed that intense smoke from the blaze was the primary cause of death. “It is due to smoke inhalation, not because they were burned,” said Volga Ramirez, mayor of Villafranca de Ebro.
The fire broke out at the facility, which housed 82 residents, many of whom suffered from dementia and mental health issues. Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames, but two residents remain in critical condition.
Jorge Azcon, head of the regional government of Aragon, expressed condolences and announced the cancellation of all official events in the region. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also shared his shock and grief over the tragedy.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. This incident comes weeks after catastrophic floods in Valencia claimed over 200 lives, marking another tragic moment in Spain’s recent history.
