The two Atalaya nightclubs in Murcia became the center of a rapid wave of political and institutional responses as news of the tragedy spread. Regional president Fernando López Miras described his feelings as anxious and saddened by the outbreak of fires in the Atalayas entertainment district, where the incident left at least thirteen people dead and many others missing. He affirmed that emergency services were continuing their work and remained closely informed about every development.
The Murcian vice president, José Antonio Antelo, along with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Security and Regional Planning, labeled the event a disaster and pledged the government’s full effort to support the victims and determine the causes. Antelo stated that he remained in constant contact with the regional president and the City Council, and he extended gratitude for the cooperation announced by other Murcian municipalities. In this context, Lorca’s City Council dispatched support teams to assist in psychological intervention for those affected and for the families of the victims at the Fonda Milagros venue in Murcia.
Murcia’s mayor, José Ballesta, addressed reporters after providing an updated death toll. He acknowledged the heavy and complicated process of exhuming the deceased, noting that the Judicial Police were working intensively to identify the bodies. He described the conditions as almost hellish due to interior circumstances, yet noted that progress was being made and that information would be shared with families as soon as possible. Ballesta detailed a swift response from the city, including a deployment of 12 fire engines and 40 personnel from the Infante Don Juan Manuel and Espinardo fire stations, along with 18 Local Police officers.
In response to the evolving situation, Ballesta convened the City Council Crisis Committee, bringing together the Local Police, Firefighters, Civil Protection, and other responsible bodies to assess the situation with precise information. The mayor concluded his briefing visibly moved, thanking security and emergency crews for their heroic work.
Pedro Sánchez offers full cooperation from the central government
The deputy prime minister and general secretary of the PSOE, Pedro Sánchez, used his X profile to express solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives in the Murcia nightclub fire. He emphasized love and solidarity for the victims and their relatives and offered full support to Murcia’s president Fernando López Miras along with gratitude for the emergency services deployed in the region.
My love and solidarity continue with the victims and their families of the tragic fire that occurred this morning in a nightclub in Murcia.
I have communicated to the regional president all our support and cooperation.
Thanks to the emergency service teams assigned to the region…
— Pedro Sánchez (on X) quoted in official social coverage on October 1, 2023
The government’s deputy head, Yolanda Díaz, voiced concern and sympathy for those affected, stating that she followed the news with concern and extended condolences to the families of the deceased, while offering love to those affected and support to the regional authorities.
A Murcia local councilor expressed shock at the tragedy, offering condolences to the families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured, while standing in solidarity with the city’s mayor and the rescue teams.
Regional sports community mourns the tragedy
The regional sports scene also expressed sorrow. UCAM Murcia Club Baloncesto and ElPozo Murcia Costa Cálida Fútbol Sala, whose teams played near the affected site at the Palacio de los Deportes, released messages of condolence. The clubs offered support to the rescuers and extended condolences to the families of the deceased, while wishing strength to the injured and a swift recovery.
Real Murcia issued its own message of condolences and urged unity and courage for the families of the dead and injured. The Grana institution also sent RIP as a mark of respect. Other clubs from the region, including Jimbee Fútbol Indoor, Hozono Global Jairis, and Alcantarilla, joined in expressing their condolences and solidarity with those affected.