At least four people died after a major fire engulfed two apartment buildings in Valencia, eastern Spain, and people were seen trapped on balconies waiting to be rescued.
Officials say another 19 people are missing, and at least 13 people, including six firefighters, suffered burns, fractures and smoke inhalation.
Jorge Suarez, Valencia's assistant director of emergency services, told reporters that hours after the fire broke out, firefighters were still trying to cool off the outside of the building before trying to enter.
The Spanish news agency Efe said the fire started early Thursday evening and spread from a residential building to a smaller building next door.
Photo: AP
Firefighters rescue two people from the balcony. Photo: AP
Heavy smoke billowed from buildings and some residents were rescued from their balconies as the flames approached dangerously.
SpainAustralia's weather agency said winds were gusting to 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour) at the time, which may have helped the fire spread more quickly.
It is currently unclear how the fire started.
Soldiers from the emergency unit joined firefighters at the scene in the Campanar neighborhood, and paramedics set up a tent to treat the injured.
Photo: Reuters
Photo: Reuters
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he was “shocked by the horrific fire” and promised the city would get “all the necessary help.”
“I want to express my solidarity with all the affected people and my appreciation to all the emergency personnel already deployed at the scene,” Sanchez said on X.
