The investigation into the circumstances of a major tragedy in Valencia, caused by the DANA, in which 229 people lost their lives, is ongoing. The judicial authorities have decided to summon Maribel Vilaplana as a witness; she was with Generalitat President Carlos Mazón on the day of the disaster. The hearing is scheduled for November 3, and the public is closely watching the details that the journalist may reveal.
On that ill-fated day, October 29, 2024, Vilaplana and Mazón were having lunch at the El Ventorro restaurant. According to investigators, it was during this time that the president made and received phone calls related to the emergency. Despite the severe flooding already underway and multiple calls to emergency services, Mazón, witnesses say, did not appear particularly concerned. Investigators believe Vilaplana may be able to clarify how the head of the region reacted to incoming information and what decisions were made at that moment.
The investigation has revealed that the regional government withheld video footage crucial to understanding the course of events for nearly a year. This cast doubt on the official claim that state authorities were solely responsible for the information blackout. Additionally, as part of the case, First Vice President Susana Camarero has also been summoned for questioning; it was found that she left the crisis management headquarters to attend an awards ceremony.
To date, more than 350 people have already been interviewed in the case, but key questions about the actions of the regional leadership during the critical hours remain unanswered. Mazon himself has refused to testify as a suspect. The investigation is ongoing, and new evidence could significantly impact the course of the case and public opinion regarding the authorities’ actions during the tragedy.
