The Manlleu fire investigation suggests five teenagers suffocated by smoke in an accidental blaze. Preliminary findings indicate the victims, aged 14 to 17, lost consciousness from toxic fumes before dying. The Mossos d’Esquadra treat the tragedy as an accident. Meanwhile, early evidence points to a cigarette as the likely ignition source.
The victims gathered in a storage unit (trastero) on a rooftop in Manlleu, Barcelona. Sources close to the inquiry say the youths could not escape the small, windowless space. Notably, the fire consumed furniture stored inside and quickly filled the area with toxic fumes.
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Manlleu fire investigation points to tragic accident
Investigators work on the main idea that the fire was accidental. They believe a cigarette started a fire in furniture and other items in the storage cubicle. In addition, the group used this space as a meeting point during their free time.
The fire made very few flames but produced intense, dense smoke. This smoke stunned the teenagers. Consequently, they lost consciousness and could not flee. Forensic reports indicate smoke inhalation caused death.
The titular judge of Manlleu’s Court Number 2 awaits full reports from the Mossos d’Esquadra and the Fire Department. Final autopsy results will confirm these early findings. This follows a recent accidental death ruling in Barcelona.
A ‘labyrinthine’ trap
Witnesses describe the tragedy location as a “labyrinthine” rooftop with about 40 small construction cubicles. The specific unit used by the teenagers had no lighting. In contrast, dense smoke effectively turned the rooftop into a trap.
The smoke went down two floors of the five-storey building. Several residents left on their own. The incident caused minor injuries to five other people. For example, four local police officers needed medical care after trying rescue operations.
Security concerns and community grief
The five victims, four of whom attended the Antoni Pous Institute, were not residents of the block on Montseny Street. However, they accessed the rooftop easily. Neighbours reported the main door to the building often stayed open. This allowed non-residents to enter.
On Wednesday, Manlleu City Council representatives met with residents of the building. Neighbours insisted on keeping the block’s entrance locked to stop unauthorised access. Meanwhile, the Council expressed willingness to make security improvements.
Carlos Prieto, the Government Delegate in Catalonia, stated authorities remain “dismayed” by the event. Coordination efforts continue between the Generalitat, the City Council, and the Consulate General of Morocco to support the bereaved families. The victims were of Maghrebi origin.
“May this Ramadan be a time of recollection, solidarity and coexistence,” Prieto said in a statement. He offered peace and serenity to the Muslim community during this difficult time.
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