Fire drama in the retirement home: 22 injured after a fatal fire in Saragossa

Fire drama in the retirement home: 22 injured after a fatal fire in Saragossa

Saragossa, Spanien - in a devastating fire in a retirement home in Saragossa, Spain, there was a tragic loss. A 93-year-old man died, while 22 other people suffered injuries. The fire broke out on the ground floor of the facility on Tuesday night, as the mayor of Saragossa, Natalia Chueca, confirmed. Due to his disability, the deceased was unable to get to safety in good time.

already known during the rescue work that 132 people were housed in the home at the time of fire. Eyewitnesses reported dramatic scenes: some residents had to be brought to safety by the windows and the smoke prevented a quick escape from the building.

extensive rescue measures

rescue workers and residents provided help with the evacuation. A resident said that he had hit windows with a hammer and bar chairs to help others. The injured people, among whom a 46-year-old paramedic were also available, were brought to surrounding hospitals. Two people are in mortal danger.

The exact causes of the fire are still unclear, but an overheated charger for an electric wheelchair is suspected as a possible source of the fire. A report by Tagesschau indicates that a mattress could also have played a role in the room of a resident. Fire protection experts emphasized that many of the victims probably died of smoke poisoning, not through burns.

a difficult location in care facilities

The Aragón region has proclaimed a mourning day in response to the accident. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences and wished the injured quick recovery. The tragedy raises question marks regarding the precautionary measures in care facilities and continues to focus on the need for effective fire protection concepts.