The final assessment from the Visual Inspections Section of the Scientific Police regarding the October 1 tragedy in Murcia, where the Teatre and Fonda nightclubs were engulfed by flames and thirteen people lost their lives, emerges after a thorough reconstruction. The analysis identifies a structural fire type that caused the theater room roof to collapse. Based on the nature of the fuel involved, the fire is classified as a class A incident, meaning it originated from solid materials. Within the theater room, the primary ignition point was located in the suspended ceiling, notably in the area where the DJ booth and the stage equipment are situated. Previous reports had already indicated that the origin stemmed from ignition sparked by a transportable fire engine on the ceiling, leading investigators to categorize the event as an accidental fire with negligent factors. Other potential causes, such as accelerants, electrical faults, or third-party involvement, were ruled out given the absence of these elements on site.
To substantiate these conclusions, the report draws on analyses of the most affected zones, testimonies from several witnesses, and data from videos captured by attendees during the mission to manage the night’s events. In these recordings two portable extinguishers are visible near the stage where the music was being performed. A notable point concerns the proximity of the performers to safety guidelines: the recommended minimum distance from performers is 1.5 meters, a standard that appears to have been exceeded in certain moments of the evening.
The exterior facade of the Teatre nightclub in Las Atalayas is shown following the incident, underscoring the scale of the damage and the broader impact on the structure and surrounding area. The images accompany the formal assessment of the building envelope and its vulnerability under the fire’s progression.
Regarding the progression of the fire, the investigation suggests that the initial phase developed gradually, influenced by the building’s construction. The suspended ceiling with metal panels offered limited resistance, allowing flames and heat to spread vertically and horizontally. The proximity of a fire load within the interior, including decorative elements rich in flammable materials, contributed to a rapid escalation once the fire took hold. Two external doors, one on the lower floor and another on the upper level, were located near the area where the blaze intensified, forming the corridor through which the fire extended into the main assembly space. The venue’s decor, especially in the Fonda Milagros area, contributed a high fire load due to numerous flammable components, amplifying heat, smoke, and flame development.
In the course of the investigation, officials noted multiple obstructions along evacuation routes and observed that several emergency doors were closed during the night of the incident. Such obstacles likely hindered safe egress and may have amplified the risk to occupants attempting to evacuate.
As proceedings continue, the judicial authorities noted that the case involves a number of deliberate charges related to recklessness in matters of homicide tied to the event in the Atalayas region. The regional legal team explained that those deemed responsible could face prison terms that reflect the severity and count of victims. Given the incident’s scale, sentences can be significant, though statutory limits guide the maximum penalties. The ongoing prosecutor’s inquiry will also examine whether preventive safety measures were neglected or inadequately implemented, potentially contributing to the tragedy and affecting the ability of people to escape in time.