Barcelona police launched an investigation into suspected arson early this morning after 15 vehicles, including 14 cars and one motorbike, were set ablaze across the Eixample district. The fires occurred at multiple locations, causing significant damage but no personal injuries.
Joint Police and Firefighter Response
Barcelona Firefighters, alongside units from the Guardia Urbana of Barcelona, deployed to the affected areas. They extinguished the flames and established safety perimeters. One severely affected location was a street corner at Còrsega Street, number 514, at the junction with Sardenya Street. Several vehicles burned there. Three cars and a rubbish bin remained for removal this morning. Firefighters also extinguished flames affecting a traffic light control cabinet. Many sparks flew from this installation during the fire's extinction. The fire also damaged the building's facade, and thick smoke rose several floors.
Other fires occurred at Sant Antoni Maria Claret Street, 154; Indústria Street, 104; and the corner of Còrsega and Sicília Streets. Police sources told El Periódico Barcelona that all evidence points to arson. The flames started at four nearby points within Eixample, occurring within a short timeframe. Primarily, vehicles burned, and the fire spread very quickly. This suggests an accelerant was used to speed up combustion.
Impact on Eixample Residents
The Eixample district, a densely populated residential area home to over 260,000 residents, experienced temporary road closures due to the incidents. The Guardia Urbana closed the affected areas where burnt cars remained. Authorities will remove the burnt vehicles on Tuesday, 23 April. First, experts must assess the fire damage to establish the full extent of the destruction. This incident raises concerns among residents about public safety and property security in the neighbourhood.
Police are actively searching for a person who may have caused these fires. Officers are reviewing security cameras in the area. They are also questioning witnesses who filmed the fires during the early morning hours. This investigation by the Mossos d'Esquadra and the Guardia Urbana continues as they seek to identify and apprehend the individual responsible.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
