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Local authorities say at least seven people were killed in a fire at a nightclub in Murcia, southeast Spain, in the early hours of Sunday. The death toll could grow, according to emergency services.
“The number of fatalities inside the nightclub has risen to seven,” Mayor Jose Ballesta said on X (previously Twitter) early Sunday, correcting an earlier figure of six deaths. “Emergency services are still operating in the area.” In these trying times, give strength and encouragement to family and friends.”
“We are devastated,” Ballesta told Spanish television station 24 Horas.
The fire is said to have started at 6 a.m. local time in the popular Teatre nightclub in Murcia’s Atalayas neighbourhood, and it has since been put out.
Forty firefighters were involved in both the firefighting and rescue attempts. Murcia Police’s Homicide Group has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. At least four persons required medical attention due to smoke inhalation.
Firefighters are seen on social media working to control the flames, which look to have destroyed a major portion of the building’s roof. Thick plumes of smoke were visible rising from the structure.
The cause of the fire, which started while the nightclub was still open, is unknown.
“Emergency services are still working hard to put out the fire that occurred in the Teatre nightclub,” Murcia Town Hall said, adding that it “deeply regrets” the event and extends its condolences to all affected.