In the small town of Oleiros, near A Coruña, what started as an ordinary January day turned into a true test for the residents of Beiramar Street. In one ground-floor apartment, where no one had seen the owner for a long time, a smell suddenly arose so strong that even the most patient neighbors couldn’t bear it. Alarmed, they called the emergency services, and soon vehicles from the fire brigade, police, and forensic experts arrived at the scene. But even their experience was no match for what was hidden behind the door.
Inside the apartment where the 77-year-old man lived, chaos reigned. Bags of garbage, old belongings, food scraps, and all sorts of junk completely blocked the way. Police and judicial personnel could not immediately reach the body—mountains of waste stood in their path, and the air was thick with a pungent, acrid odor. The forensic doctor who arrived refused to remove the body until safe access could be ensured. As a result, the removal of the body was delayed by nearly a full day.
Cleanup operation
The next morning, municipal crews gathered at the house. Workers in protective suits began removing bags of garbage, which immediately filled the street with a foul stench. The process took several hours: they carried out not only household waste, but also old furniture, broken appliances, and even construction debris. Over the years, all this had piled up inside, turning the apartment into an impenetrable fortress for outsiders.
Neighbors admit they had long noticed the apartment owner led a reclusive lifestyle. No one had seen him since Christmas, but few would have dared to intervene. It was only when the smell became unbearable that people realized something was seriously wrong. Police confirmed that the man lived alone and had little contact with others. Preliminary reports suggest natural causes as the reason for death, but final conclusions will follow after the autopsy.
Diogenes syndrome
The incident in Oleiros has once again drawn attention to a problem that is often ignored in Spain: Diogenes syndrome—a disorder in which people accumulate garbage and possessions, losing touch with reality. Authorities note that such cases are more common than they seem. Individuals suffering from this syndrome often go unnoticed until tragedy strikes.
This time, the extent of the mess shocked even experienced municipal workers. Garbage filled not only the corridors but also the living rooms, and insects had infested the apartment. After the man’s body was removed, the cleaning continued: workers loaded bags into a large municipal truck, and a strong odor lingered in the building for a long time. Authorities have promised a complete disinfection to prevent the spread of infection and pest infestations.
Public reaction
The story sparked heated debate among the residents of Oleiros and neighboring areas. Many are asking: why did no one notice earlier? How did it happen that a person ended up in complete isolation, with their problems going unnoticed? Some blame society’s indifference, while others point to a lack of social services that could have intervened in time.
While municipal workers continue to clear out garbage from the ill-fated apartment, local residents are discussing how to prevent similar incidents from happening again. One thing is clear: the tragedy in Oleiros has become a wake-up call for all those accustomed to ignoring the troubles of others.
