Search and rescue operations continue without pause. Multiple firefighting drones are once again hovering over the remains of the two towers in the Campanar district of Valencia, where flames consumed the building on Thursday afternoon. The drones are scanning for hot spots within the structure and are also tasked with locating any possible additional victims still inside or nearby the debris field.
It has been an intensely demanding night. The fire crews have focused on cooling the area to prevent reignition and to stabilize the structure. The fire burned with such intensity that the building became a blazing furnace in about 35 minutes. Because of the extreme heat, access to the interior remains impossible. Materials and surfaces have warped under the heat, and the water used to extinguish the blaze has begun to permeate the entire structure. Firefighters cannot enter due to the risk of localized collapses and also because the weight of water has compromised structural integrity and safety at every level.
After a shift change among the teams, the authorities overseeing the search operations decided to return to drones. During the night, a high-performance drone equipped with specialized cameras identified the first four victims of this horrific fire, marking a tragic breakthrough amid the debris.
At present, the drones continue to fly along the building’s cornices and terraces, extending the search for more victims. According to statements from the City Council of Valencia and the Valencian regional government, a total of 19 residents remain unaccounted for. These are neighbors from the residential complex who have not answered calls from their families.
Community Support and Solidarity
Nearby, a supermarket has remained open through the night to assist the security and emergency services with supplies. Local officials, including Carlos Mazón and María José Català, have visited the area to express gratitude for the community’s involvement and for the store staff’s steadfast commitment to helping during this crisis.