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Date Published: 23/09/2024

Demolition begins on the site of the deadly Murcia nightclub fire

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The tragedy claimed 13 young lives and was the worst fire recorded in Spain in 30 years

Demolition begins on the site of the deadly Murcia nightclub fire

Today, a sombre milestone marks the beginning of the end of a painful chapter in Murcia's history. The demolition of the building that housed the Teatre and Fonda Milagros nightclubs in the Atalayas leisure area, where 13 young lives were tragically lost in a devastating fire, has finally commenced.

This momentous occasion comes after months of delays, expert inspections and a long-awaited authorisation from the investigating court. Meaningfully, the demolition almost coincides with the anniversary of the tragedy on October 1.

As the first anniversary approaches, the people of Murcia are still reeling from the shock of that fateful night. The fire, which was the deadliest in Spain since the blaze which tore through the ‘Flying’ nightclub in Zaragoza in 1990, left an indelible mark on the community, and the memories of the victims will never be forgotten.

The demolition of the site is a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of that night and a step towards closure for the grieving families.

The work began on Monday September 23 to tear down the ‘Teatre’, where the fire is believed to have started, and ‘Fonda Milagros’, where the 13 bodies were found. Both premises were built in the same industrial warehouse, separated by a plasterboard wall, a space that has now been reduced to a mass of iron, dust and ash.

The demolition process, which is expected to take two to three days, is a complex and delicate operation. The warehouse, which was severely damaged in the fire, requires specialised equipment and expertise to ensure a safe and controlled demolition.

Diego Gil, head of the demolition company D-Tres, explained that the process is more complicated than usual due to the burned structure, which has to be broken up piece by piece rather than torn down.

A long journey to justice

The judicial procedure into the fire is ongoing, with investigators taking statements from people at the disco, witnesses and those under investigation. The case has been marked by delays and controversy, with the lawyers of the victims' families requesting access to the premises to conduct expert reports. These were finally carried out in June and highlighted serious deficiencies in the structures of the premises.

The victims' families are still seeking justice and have filed several complaints against the municipal administration, alleging possible responsibility in the accident.

Six people are being actively investigated for their part in the tragedy – the owners of both nightclub premises, the organiser of a theme party at Teatre and the owner of a cold fire cannon that was used during the event and could have caused the fire.

As the anniversary of the tragedy approaches, the families will come together to remember their loved ones and honour their memory.

On September 30, the eve of the anniversary of the tragedy, the victims' families will hold a gathering in memory of their loved ones.

Images: Ayuntamiento de Murcia/José Ballesta

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