In a tragic incident, a fire broke out at a nursing home in northern Spain, claiming the lives of nine people and injuring several others. The fire occurred in the early hours of the morning at the Santa Fe Home in the town of Azkoitia, Gipuzkoa province. The victims ranged in age from 70 to 90 years old, and most of them were reportedly bedridden.
The incident has sparked a significant emergency response, with more than 60 firefighters and 20 ambulances rushing to the scene. The injured were swiftly moved to nearby hospitals, with some reported to be in serious condition. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are currently investigating to determine the origin and circumstances of the incident.
The Basque Health Service confirmed that 17 people had been taken to hospitals in the area, with seven in serious condition. The nursing home, which is run by a religious order, had 56 residents at the time of the fire.
The tragic event has drawn a reaction from Spanish authorities, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressing his condolences to the families of the victims on Twitter. He wrote, "My deepest condolences to the families of the people who died in the fire at the Santa Fe Home in Azkoitia. All my affection for the injured and those who are living these difficult hours. We are with you."
In the wake of the tragedy, the Basque Country government declared three days of mourning. The regional president, Iñigo Urkullu, expressed his sympathy and stressed that the priority now is to provide support to the victims' families and the survivors. He also thanked the emergency services for their swift and effective response to the fire.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of nursing homes and the importance of fire safety measures in such facilities. As investigations continue, the community and the nation mourn the tragic loss of life.