The events in Manlleu (Manlleu) in the north of Barcelona province have once again highlighted the fragility of home safety in Spain. A fire that broke out in a multistory building on Montseny Street claimed the lives of five people and caused minor injuries to four others. For local residents and all of Catalonia, this incident served as a stark reminder: fire safety and the regulation of converted living spaces remain pressing concerns.
The blaze started late Monday evening in a rooftop unit that had been converted for residential use atop a five-story building. According to preliminary reports, those inside could not escape once the fire rapidly spread through the space. Despite firefighters arriving promptly, rescuers were unable to save those trapped. The entire building was evacuated, and residents of the upper floors were at the greatest risk due to heavy smoke.
Rescue operation timeline
The emergency services received the first report of the fire around 21:10. Residents described thick smoke billowing up the stairwells and a fire on the top floor. Thirteen fire units arrived at the scene and immediately began evacuation and firefighting efforts. By this time, most residents had already left the building on their own, but several people remained trapped in the converted rooftop apartment.
Firefighters and medics found one victim in cardiac arrest, followed by four more deceased in the same room. Medical teams, including 11 ambulances and two psychological support teams, were unable to revive them. Four other residents sustained minor injuries; three were treated at the scene, while one declined hospitalization.
Causes and consequences
While the official cause of the fire has not yet been determined, police and investigators are conducting a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Particular attention is being paid to the legality of converting the attic space into residential housing. Such cases have become increasingly common in recent years, raising concerns among authorities and safety experts.
Local residents noted that the building had not previously experienced serious fire safety problems. However, the tragedy in Manlleu once again highlights the need for stricter regulation of residential space use and compliance with fire safety standards. Catalonian authorities have already announced plans to review existing regulations and step up inspections of similar properties.
Response and support
Not only firefighters and medical staff but also police officers and municipal representatives worked at the scene of the incident. Residents received psychological assistance, and evacuees were temporarily housed in safe locations. Authorities have promised all necessary support to the victims and the families of those who lost their lives.
The investigation is ongoing, and new details about the causes and circumstances of the tragedy are expected in the coming days. Mourning has been declared in Manlleu, and local residents are offering condolences to the families of the victims. Safety concerns in residential buildings have once again become a focus of public attention.
In recent years, Spain has seen several major fires in residential buildings resulting in casualties. In Alicante and Valencia, there have been fatal incidents and mass evacuations from high-rise buildings due to fires over the past two years. Experts point out that the main causes of these tragedies are violations of property maintenance regulations and insufficient oversight of attic and basement conversions. After each incident, authorities promise to intensify inspections and tighten safety requirements, yet the issue remains a pressing concern for many cities across the country.
