In Mislata, a fourth instruction unit is under scrutiny after a devastating incident during the Christmas fair. A planeshaped accident involved a transport that carried nine children; two young girls, Vera, aged four, and Cayetana, aged eight, died. The event triggered a surge of inquiries and led to two counts of reckless manslaughter being opened against several parties involved in the fair’s organization and execution.
Municipal authorities report that technician Rubén SG is under investigation, already connected as a witness to the murder inquiry. The case file indicates that he faced three criminal charges so far. According to engineer José Pablo B.L., the attention centers on the attraction and fairground approval report, which forms part of the initial set of documents reviewed for accountability connected to the carnival. An on-site inspection took place on December 3, a month before the fair opened, laying groundwork for the ongoing investigations.
For now, those not charged include the Assembly Member of Mislata City Council responsible for festivities, Anthony Arenas, whose private prosecution by parents has urged criminal proceedings. They argue that the mayor should be examined for responsibility in allowing the fair to operate without adequate controls.
The judge issued an order noting that there is no current statement from Antonio Almenar, the inspector at the time of the procedure. This leaves the door open for potential future actions if the councilor is found to bear responsibility as cases progress.
Forensic conclusions already highlighted
The judge’s summary follows the receipt of a forensic report, which provides a comprehensive analysis of the actions taken. The report, exceeding 120 pages, was published by the Levante-EMV branch of the Iberian Press group and has drawn attention to possible liability for the Municipality of Mislata. Its findings emphasize the need for critical revisions in the initial project submitted by the clerks, particularly for the permit to occupy public roads. There is a call for clearer explanations before granting such permissions.
The technical expert notes substantial changes in the first project that were not adequately addressed by the responsible officials, or by the parts engineer’s submissions, or by the City Council’s liability declarations. The report argues that these omissions could directly affect user safety and the fair’s operational integrity.
Location and setup of the fairground
Within the document, three core facts emerge as pivotal to understanding the accident. First, the fair’s location had not been definitively established—the summer layout was used for the New Year edition. Second, attractions were not placed according to the documented plan. Third, the bouncy castle was positioned at a problematic point: not where advertised, and at the end of the fair where winds could catch it from the widest side, creating a dangerous uplift when gusts increased unexpectedly.
Both police findings and forensic analysis point to a lack of anchorage and poor rope and strap conditions. Several tethering components were found frayed, cut, or otherwise compromised, with some lines missing. The placement and orientation of the inflated structure magnified the impact of wind gusts, especially in the lower sections, contributing to its uplift and collapse.
Did the inspector personally visit the site?
The municipal technician served as a court researcher and is slated to be questioned again in January, aligning with the first anniversary of the incident. Whether a formal inspection occurred on December 3, as claimed by the engineer investigating the case, remains under examination. The defense contends that an inspection by the city council is not mandatory, only optional, given the responsible party’s statement in theory about maintaining attractions and ensuring overall fair safety.
Regardless of formalities, the ongoing proceedings continue to probe whether the city’s practices met the required safety standards. The questions focus on whether the fair’s safety checks were thorough and whether all necessary steps were taken to guarantee a secure setup for visitors.