A devastating fire swept through the Jardines de Villafranca retirement home in the northern Spanish town of Villafranca del Ebro early Friday morning, claiming the lives of at least 10 people. The blaze, which broke out around 5 a.m., also left one person in critical condition and several others receiving treatment, primarily for smoke inhalation.
The regional government of Aragon confirmed the fatalities but did not clarify whether all the victims were residents of the home, which housed 82 elderly individuals. Emergency services, including firefighters from Zaragoza, ambulances, and police, responded swiftly to the scene. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities are working to determine what sparked the deadly incident.
The tragedy has left the community of Villafranca del Ebro in shock, with many expressing their condolences to the families of the victims. The retirement home, known for its peaceful environment and dedicated care, has become the focus of a comprehensive probe as investigators seek answers.
As the town mourns, regional officials have pledged support for the victims and their families while vowing to uncover the cause of the fire to prevent such incidents in the future.
Melissa Enoch
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