Three members of family die, including boy found hugging pet dog, in Alicante tower block fire
More than 100 people were evacuated from the high-rise building as smoke and flames reached communal areas.
Monday 4 March 2024 12:05, UK
Three members of the same family have died in a high-rise fire in Spain, according to local media reports.
Among the dead was a five-year-old boy who was found by firefighters hugging his dog, EuroWeekly News reported.
A grandmother, her son and the child were in the 11th floor apartment in Villajoyosa, in the Alicante region, when the fire broke out shortly after 2am on Monday, according to El Mundo.
Footage on social media showed the blaze in the tower block, during strong winds.
More than 100 people were evacuated as smoke and flames reached communal areas.
Around 15 people, including children, needed treatment for smoke inhalation but have since been discharged from hospital.
Local mayor, Marcos Zaragoza, said despite their best efforts, emergency services couldn't prevent the deaths.
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Football club Valencia CF posted on X. "We would like to send our sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the victims of the fire in Villajoyosa (Alicante). Rest in Peace."