Fire Department Murcia has issued a report concerning the October 1 fire at the Atalayas venue, a tragedy that claimed the lives of 13 people inside the Fonda club. The documents reviewed by the parties, officers, and investigators reveal a major challenge encountered when entering the premises: a rear corridor leading to the theater area. Police science findings indicate the blaze began in one location and then spread to adjacent areas, including the Fonda nightclub.
According to fire professionals on scene, attempts to access the back of the facility required forcing two doors before reaching an emergency exit. This exit opens into a narrow corridor cluttered with belongings, described by sources close to the case as having been used as a warehouse. The difficulties continued: another door within the corridor needed to be forced, forcing firefighters to employ a Halligan tool — a combination of claw, blade, and pick — to gain entry. Upon breaking through, they encountered a fence and a padlock, which had to be removed before entry into the room.
Professionals observed that the evacuation route led to a corridor packed with items
The authorities were aware of this
Documentation currently under review in the court investigating thirteen counts of reckless homicide indicates that the evacuation exit in question was not used, a point noted by the City Council. In a 2018 report prepared by municipal officials, the evacuation exit was described as containing “doors that could be kept open while activity continued.” The corridor was also described as having a padlocked enclosure and a collection of objects arranged within the evacuation area.
No lives were lost in the Teatre building itself. All thirteen victims were found inside the Fonda venue, where the evacuation system functioned for the most part, while the adjacent Teatre area did not report fatalities. Authorities are examining why warnings to patrons in the neighboring nightclub were not extended in time to prevent casualties.
In the meantime, Marco Martínez — the man linked as the alleged real owner of the Teatre and a person of interest in the investigation — is anticipated to appear before investigators. He declined a request to testify when summoned by the National Police, as he was reportedly traveling in the Caribbean. The Murder Group has not issued an arrest warrant as of now, and officials indicate he plans to return to Spain in the coming days to provide testimony. Close sources expect his formal appearance before year’s end.
[Citations: Fire Department Murcia report; court documents; municipal records from 2018; statements from the investigation team; eyewitness accounts.]