What's happened
A fire at the Jardines de Villafranca nursing home in Villafranca de Ebro, Spain, resulted in the deaths of ten elderly residents early on November 15, 2024. The cause of the blaze is under investigation, with two individuals reported in critical condition due to smoke inhalation.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, the fire started in one of the rooms of the Jardines de Villafranca residence, which was home to 82 elderly individuals. Mayor Volga Ramirez noted that intense smoke likely caused the fatalities. The New York Times reported that two residents are in critical condition, while the cause of the fire remains unknown. The Independent highlighted the cancellation of all government events in the region as a mark of respect. Metro confirmed that the fire was extinguished after two hours, with residents initially hunkering down in the living room. This incident follows recent devastating floods in Spain, raising concerns about the safety of vulnerable populations.
How we got here
The fire broke out around 5 a.m. local time, affecting a facility that housed 82 residents, primarily those with dementia and mental health issues. Local authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
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Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a country in Southwestern Europe with some pockets of territory across the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean. Its continental European territory is situated on the Iberian Peninsula.
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Aragon is an autonomous community in Spain, coextensive with the medieval Kingdom of Aragon. Located in northeastern Spain, the Aragonese autonomous community comprises three provinces: Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel. Its capital is Zaragoza.