A 61-year-old woman lost her life when a section of the roof collapsed inside the home she shared with others in Calahorra, located in La Rioja. The incident occurred in a structure described as an undeclared, derelict building with an attached annex in the old town area. The tragedy unfolded Monday afternoon as a portion of the room’s ceiling gave way, trapping the woman beneath the wreckage.
The city’s mayor confirmed the event, providing details to reporters and stating that the news broke at 18:12 local time. The collapse affected the upper portion of the building, specifically the second floor of a three-story residence on Calle 18. The owner had been renting the dwelling prior to the accident.
Firefighters from Calahorra arrived on the scene and joined health workers in the effort to locate the body, with the Judicial Police present to oversee the removal. The operation to recover the deceased proceeded after authorities secured access to the search area and ensured the safety of the surrounding structure.
Thirteen residents who were living on the premises have been evacuated as a precaution. Technical teams conducted an initial assessment of the damage to the building and its annex, while authorities worked to determine the stability of the remaining sections. The mayor underscored that the relocation process was set in motion to ensure the affected families could find temporary housing while investigations continue.
At the time of the incident, the deceased woman was not registered in the local district registry and was living with five other people at the home. The mayor noted that several of the residents had left for work at dawn, a circumstance that likely influenced why others were present in the building during the collapse and why the tragedy occurred without immediate witnesses nearby to intervene.
Regarding housing arrangements, a married couple with two small children was moved to a hotel as a precaution. Another couple, not at home when the event happened, was also to be relocated to alternative accommodation, either another hotel or a youth hostel, to ensure their safety and comfort during the ongoing housing review. The remaining residents, including seasonal workers sharing the dwelling, were relocated to a temporary facility arranged by local authorities and supported by the municipal services.
In addressing the broader situation, the mayor stated that the affected building did not show apparent structural problems, although the annex was also under scrutiny as investigators work to determine the exact causes of the collapse. The process involves a comprehensive look at the building’s integrity, construction history, and any factors that may have contributed to the incident. Condolences were offered to the family of the victim as officials reiterated their commitment to a thorough and transparent investigation, with updates to follow as more information becomes available. (Source: Local authorities report)