The quiet night in Boadilla del Monte was shattered by the blare of sirens. A fire had broken out in a residential building on Comunidad de Canatias street, nearly costing the lives of a mother and her fourteen-year-old son. Both were found unconscious on the stair landing, where they had tried to escape the suffocating smoke. Doctors have described their condition as extremely critical.
The fire started around half past one in the morning on the first floor of a four-story building. Flames quickly engulfed the apartment, and thick smoke spread through the stairwells, cutting off escape routes. The residents of the apartment where the fire began managed to escape on their own. But for the family living one floor above, the situation turned into a real trap.
Dramatic evacuation
When emergency services arrived, the stairwell was already filled with smoke. Rescuers found the woman and teenager unconscious—they had tried to get out but couldn’t get through the dense smoke. The boy was in a state of clinical death; his heart had stopped. Paramedics immediately began resuscitation right at the scene. Both victims were stabilized and urgently transported to different Madrid hospitals: La Paz and Puerta de Hierro.
Firefighters worked in conditions of limited visibility and high temperatures. They had to evacuate residents from the upper floors through windows and balconies using ladders and special equipment. In total, six fire crews fought the blaze and rescued people trapped by the fire. As a result of the incident, 19 more people, including five members of the Guardia Civil and one police officer, suffered mild smoke inhalation.
Causes and consequences
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Guardia Civil experts are continuing their investigation, but have already ruled out a domestic gas explosion. The apartment where the fire started was severely damaged, and smoke spread even to rooms located above the origin of the blaze.
Residents of the building are still reeling from the experience. Many had to spend several hours outside, watching the rescue efforts. Some neighbors recall that the smell of burning appeared suddenly, and then the corridors instantly filled with smoke. For many, this night became a true test of endurance.
Response and support
The incident is widely discussed in the city, with locals not hiding their anxiety. Residents express sympathy for the affected family and thank rescuers for their prompt actions. Doctors report that the condition of the mother and son remains serious, but they have not lost hope for their recovery.
Fires in residential buildings always pose a threat not only to property but also to human life. This incident once again highlighted the importance of safety precautions and the need for a swift response in emergencies. The investigation is ongoing, and residents of Boadilla del Monte hope such events will not happen again.
