In the early hours of Friday, November 15, Aragón woke up to devastating news: a fire at the Jardines de Villafranca nursing home in Villafranca de Ebro, Zaragoza, claimed the lives of 10 elderly residents. Two others remain in critical condition at Royo Villanova Hospital due to smoke inhalation.

Emergency services were alerted at 4:57 am, and Zaragoza firefighters arrived promptly to evacuate the 69 residents at the single-story facility. Despite their efforts, this tragedy has become the deadliest nursing home fire in Spain’s modern history.

The Fire’s Origin and Ongoing Investigation

According to Villafranca Mayor Volga Rodríguez, the fire began in a mattress, but the exact cause remains under investigation. Authorities have launched an inquiry, with the Guardia Civil and Zaragoza police working together to determine how the fire started and spread.

Fernando Beltrán, Aragón’s government delegate, expressed his condolences and pledged full support for those affected. He confirmed that the staff escaped harm and that initial assessments point to smoke inhalation as the likely cause of the fatalities.

Coordinated Response and Support for Families

A comprehensive response involving firefighters, Civil Protection volunteers, medical teams, psychologists, and social workers has been organized. A local team will provide information and psychosocial support to the victims’ families. Authorities are also considering relocating surviving residents to another facility to ensure proper care and access to their loved ones.

This tragic event highlights the urgent need for thorough investigations and improved safety measures in residential care facilities across Spain.

In memory of the victims, Zaragoza City Hall held a minute’s silence on Friday, November 15, at 1 pm, bringing the community together to mourn this tragic loss. Local leaders and residents gathered to show their support to the affected families.

An official day of mourning has been declared for tomorrow, November 16, to honor the ten lives lost in the Villafranca de Ebro nursing home fire. Flags will fly at half-mast across the region as Aragón pays tribute to those who perished in this devastating tragedy.

Main image: X/@GobAragon