Thursday evening in Soria turned into a real tragedy for two families. A 25-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman were found dead in a car parked inside a private garage on Nuestra Señora de Calatañazor street. The car’s heater was on, and the garage doors were closed. A relative who went to check on the young couple found them unconscious and immediately called emergency services. Despite the doctors’ best efforts, they could not be saved.
Apparently, the tragedy was caused by a simple oversight and, perhaps, a lack of awareness about the risks. In the enclosed space of a garage with no fresh air, the car heater became a source of deadly carbon monoxide. This gas is colorless and odorless, so a person does not notice as they lose consciousness. In such cases, there is almost no chance of survival unless help arrives immediately.
City reaction
News of the young couple’s deaths quickly spread through Soria. The city is in shock, as such tragedies are rare in small Spanish provinces. Mayor Carlos Martínez, who is also running for head of the Castilla y León region, expressed his condolences to the victims’ families. He emphasized that losing young lives is always especially painful for the community, and called on people to support the families during this difficult time.
Police and investigators are continuing to examine the details of the incident. The official version is an accident caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. The victims’ bodies have been taken to the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Soria for autopsy. The results are expected to confirm the initial findings, although no one in the city doubts the cause of the tragedy.
Sad statistics
Unfortunately, cases of carbon monoxide poisoning are not uncommon in Spain. In recent months alone, the country has faced similar tragedies. In early January in Linares (Jaén), three people, including a child, died after using a coal heater in a poorly ventilated room. And in December in Palencia, a 12-year-old boy died for the same reason. Each of these incidents sparks debate and reminds the public of the need to follow basic safety measures.
In Soria, as in many other Spanish cities, residents often rely on additional heating sources during winter. However, few consider that even a standard car heater can become deadly if used in a closed space. Carbon monoxide acts quickly and invisibly; even a short time in a contaminated environment can end in tragedy.
Safety issues
This incident once again raises the issue of the need to inform the public about the risks associated with the use of heating appliances and cars in enclosed spaces. Many still believe there is no danger if the engine is running properly. However, practice shows the opposite: even modern vehicles can emit dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide, especially when ventilation is lacking.
Authorities and rescue services regularly remind citizens: never leave the engine running in a garage with the doors closed, even if you plan to stay inside for just a few minutes. Any carelessness can be fatal. Still, tragedies like this continue to happen—and each time they come as a shock to the community.
Emotions and support
In Soria, grief is shared not only by the victims’ families but by the entire city. Messages of support and condolences are appearing on social media. People are sharing memories of the young victims they knew personally and expressing disbelief: how could this happen in our time, when it seems everyone is aware of such risks?
This story is a reminder that tragedy can strike anyone, and sometimes all it takes is a single mistake or moment of inattention. At such times, it’s especially important not to be indifferent and to support each other. And, to remember the simple safety rules that can save lives.
