At least nine people have died after a huge blaze ripped through two residential buildings in Valencia in eastern Spain.
The city’s mayor, Maria Jose Catala, had earlier said 10 had been killed – but one person who was thought to be dead is now considered missing.
Officials continue to search for at least 14 people who have not been traced.
A young couple, their toddler and two-week-old baby are among those unaccounted for.
They are thought to have taken refuge in their bathroom, messaging friends to alert them of their plight, residents told state broadcaster, RTVE.
At least 13 people, including six firefighters, have suffered burns, fractures and smoke inhalation.
Image: Firefighters at the scene of the blaze at a block of flats in Valencia. Pic: Reuters
Image: Witnesses said the fire spread to the entire building. Pic: Reuters
Valencia’s assistant emergency services director, Jorge Suarez, told reporters that hours after the blaze started, firefighters were still trying to cool down the outside of the building before attempting to go inside.
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The blaze started early on Thursday evening and spread from a block of flats to a smaller building next door, said Spanish news agency EFE.
Image: A person awaits rescue on the middle balcony. Pic: AP
Image: Burning segments fell to the pavement. Pic: AP
Image: Firefighters rescue two people from a balcony. Pic: AP
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Panicked residents rushed to balconies to beg for help
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Thick black smoke poured from the buildings and some residents had to be rescued from their balconies with the flames perilously close.
At least two people were rescued from their balconies on cranes.
One resident, named as Adriana, told the Reuters news agency: “I told my daughter and mother-in-law to leave, other people stayed inside.”
Spain’s weather agency said there were 40mph (64kph) winds at the time – which may have helped the fire spread more quickly.
Emergency services said the fire began on the fourth floor but the cause is currently unclear, with an investigation now opened by local authorities.
IPUR, Spain’s polyurethane manufacturers’ association, insisted there was no evidence that polyurethane was used in the Valencia building’s facade.
The June 2017 fire at Grenfell Tower in London, which had similar cladding, caused 72 deaths.
Soldiers from an emergency unit joined firefighters on the scene in the Campanar neighbourhood and medics set up a tent to treat the injured.
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Image: Several people have been reported missing. Pic: Reuters
Image: Emergency services at the scene. Pic: Reuters
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was “shocked by the terrible fire” and promised the city would get “all the help that is necessary”.
“I want to convey my solidarity to all the people affected and recognition to all the emergency personnel already deployed at the scene,” Mr Sanchez posted on X.
Visiting the scene on Friday, he said residents had “lost everything in a matter of minutes in this terrible fire.”
A spokesman for Pope Francis said he was praying for all those affected by the fire.
The regional government in Valencia has declared three days of mourning and announced a financial aid package to cover accommodation, clothing and food for victims.
Local events including football matches have been cancelled, while the start of the city’s month-long annual “Fallas” festival has also been delayed.
Source : Sky News
