On Tuesday, a raging fire destroyed a nightclub in Catalonia, Spain, killing at least 13 people and sending hundreds more fleeing for their lives. This tragedy marks the deadliest nightclub accident to occur in the country in 30 years and has sparked a nationwide effort to find and aid missing persons.
The fire erupted shortly after midnight at the Cram nightclub in the coastal town of Sant Adria de Besos, near Barcelona. Quickly herding the guests toward the only exit, the staff and security worked diligently to minimize casualties and get everyone out as quickly as possible. Witnesses report a chaotic scene of people fleeing in terror and smoke pouring from the building as many tripped over one another to escape the flames.
Firefighters and ambulances responded to the emergency call just after 1 a.m., and rescue teams worked tirelessly through the night to save as many lives as they could. Officials report that 19 people have been rescued, 13 of whom have been killed. Sadly, authorities believe that more are still unaccounted for and fear that the death toll could rise.
The cause of the fire is still uncertain, and the Spanish criminal code now requires investigators to determine whether it is linked to criminal activity or negligence. Barcelona’s mayor, Xavier Trias, and Catalonia’s regional president, Artur Mas, attended the scene and released a statement saying that all possible causes and perpetrators will be investigated.
This tragic event, shocking in the scope of its destruction, has sent Spain into mourning. For many, this fire tears away the peace of a nation that has seen recovery from a years-long recession. Although the magnitude of the disaster is still unknown, the nation stands together to help those affected. As authorities continue to search for victims and investigate the cause of the fire, Catalonia and Spain will undoubtedly continue to remember those who were lost and do whatever they can to support those affected by this deadly accident.
