Tragic Fire Claims Lives at Nursing Home in Villafranca de Ebro
A devastating fire at the Jardines de Villafranca nursing home in Villafranca de Ebro, located 28 kilometers from Zaragoza, has resulted in the deaths of ten individuals, with two others in critical condition. The incident occurred early on Friday morning, around 5 a.m., when flames erupted in a resident's room, reportedly ignited by a mattress. Initial reports indicated that 89 residents were present, but authorities later confirmed that 69 were actually in the facility at the time of the fire.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with firefighters managing to extinguish the blaze and prevent further casualties. Among the injured, 30 residents were treated for minor smoke inhalation, while a Civil Guard member also required medical attention. The two critically injured residents, aged 65 and 72, were transported to Royo Villanova hospital, where one remains in serious condition.
The mayor of Villafranca de Ebro, Volga Rodríguez, expressed her shock and sorrow over the tragedy, noting that the nursing home, which specializes in mental health and dementia care, was home to residents of various ages. The director of the center, visibly shaken, could not confirm the ages of the deceased but indicated they were not elderly.
In response to the incident, the Government of Aragon has initiated an investigation into the fire's cause, with officials stating that most fatalities in such incidents are typically due to smoke inhalation. The regional president, Jorge Azcón, has declared a day of mourning and visited the site to offer condolences to the families of the victims and commend the staff for their efforts during the emergency.
Investigation and Community Response
The fire has raised concerns regarding the staffing levels at the nursing home, as only two employees were present during the incident. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire, including the potential for negligence or other factors that may have contributed to the tragedy. The Government delegate in Aragon, Fernando Beltrán, confirmed that a judicial investigation has been launched, and technical teams from the Civil Guard will conduct thorough examinations to determine the fire's origin and spread.
In the aftermath of the fire, residents have been relocated to another facility in Huesca, managed by the Vitalia group, to ensure their safety and continued care. This incident is not isolated; previous fires in Spanish nursing homes have resulted in fatalities, prompting calls for increased safety measures and inspections in such facilities.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and other officials have expressed their condolences on social media, emphasizing the need for support for the affected families and the community. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding how such a tragedy could occur and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations in care facilities.
