The case surrounding the Teatre nightclub in Murcia centers on a tragic blaze that began on October 1 and spread to an adjacent area, resulting in the deaths of thirteen people. The incident has been ordered under investigation by the examining judge, who is reviewing multiple counts of reckless homicide tied to the circumstances of the fire.
The person identified by authorities as the alleged owner of Teatre appeared before the judge a week after the venue’s manager did. The sister of one of the managers and other officials have faced questions about responsibility, with authorities suggesting that the party organizer bears significant accountability for what occurred on that night.
In remarks to reporters, Marcos Martinez expressed regret for the tragedy, yet asserted that he has no current ties to the establishment. He named Manuel Cerezo, described as the owner of Teatre, as the person in charge of the venue. Despite these statements, police view Martinez as a central figure connected to the operation of the nightclub in past years.
Investigators have indicated that the arrest of the person who controlled the cold-fire equipment used during the event may be connected to the case, with the party organizer identified as having played a role in the incident. The investigation aims to determine how the club could remain open despite a closure order and to clarify who owned, managed, and used the premises during renovations at the industrial warehouse hosting Teatre and the adjoining nightclub La Fonda Milagros.
Local residents and victims were part of a Latin American community drawn to the Murcia region, including individuals from Nicaragua, Colombia, and Ecuador, who frequented this entertainment district. The broader inquiry seeks to understand the circumstances surrounding the venue and how the tragedy unfolded within that environment.
The final technical police report characterizes the Teatre fire, along with the adjacent nightclub La Fonda Milagros, as an accidental blaze caused by negligence related to the handling of a slow-ignition spark device. This finding aligns with the report’s assessment of how the fire began and spread through the building materials. The device’s operator stated that it had been extinguished about an hour before the flames intensified, suggesting that the fire could have progressed gradually through plaster and other surfaces before erupting.
According to the party organizer, there was no verification of whether the device would cause gas expansion or other hazardous effects. He noted that proper preparation was not required by law and that the device had been used previously at a Teatre event without incident. The ongoing proceedings will examine whether safety protocols were followed, whether proper oversight was in place, and what measures should have been in place to prevent such a calamity in this entertainment venue. The investigation remains focused on establishing accountability for the choices that allowed the night to unfold and for any gaps in compliance that may have contributed to the tragedy.