A fire broke out in a 14-storey apartment building in the center of the eastern Spanish city of Valencia, burning down entire blocks.
According to initial reports, 13 people, including 3 firefighters, were injured in the fire that broke out at around 17.30 local time (19.30 GMT) in an apartment building in Valencia’s Campanar neighborhood.
Due to the size of the fire, the municipality of Valencia requested assistance from fire departments in nearby cities and the Military Emergency Assistance Unit.
A field hospital was immediately set up and many ambulances were dispatched to the area.
A support and coordination unit was set up in the area where the 14-storey building is located.
People fleeing the flames were seen jumping from one balcony to another
Authorities said the hot weather and wind made the fire brigade’s work difficult.
Eyewitnesses said that the fire brigade rescued some people from the balconies of the burning apartment building and that those who escaped the flames jumped from one balcony to another.
It is not yet known the cause of the ongoing fire, how many people are in the apartment or whether there are any fatalities.
“I am horrified by the terrible fire“
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a statement on his X account, “I am horrified by the terrible fire. I would like to convey my solidarity wishes to all those affected by the fire and my appreciation to all emergency personnel on the scene.”
