Fatal Fire in Manlleu Apartment Block
Five young individuals lost their lives in a fire that erupted in a storage area within a residential apartment block located in north-east Spain.
Catalonia's fire brigade reported that residents alerted authorities to the fire in a five-storey building in Manlleu, approximately 80km (50 miles) north of Barcelona, shortly after 21:00 local time (20:00 GMT) on Monday. The incident also resulted in injuries to four other people.
Victims and Investigation
The identities of the deceased have not been confirmed; however, Spanish media sources indicated that the victims were teenagers. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
The storage space where the fire originated is situated on the upper floor and is believed to have been converted into a living area. Firefighters have stated that it remains unclear why the victims were unable to escape the blaze.
Official Response
Catalan President Salvador Illa Roca expressed his shock at the fatalities and extended his deepest sympathies to the families and friends affected by the tragedy.
"I am shocked by the deaths and express my deepest condolences to families and friends."
