Six people died in a nightclub fire at the Theater in the Atalayas region of Murcia. Firefighters arrived at the scene this morning to bring the blaze under control, and four additional individuals have sustained injuries to date. The affected individuals include two women aged 22 and 25, and two men aged 41 and 45. Medical teams from the Directorate of Health Emergencies and Emergencies 061 treated the victims on site and transported them to nearby hospitals. Two of the injured remain hospitalized. There are ongoing concerns that more fatalities may occur as the situation evolves.
Firefighting resources from the Fire Fighting and Rescue Consortium were deployed to contain the fire, with a total of 12 fire engines and around 40 personnel working to secure the area after the flames were brought under control. The emergency response began shortly after 06:00 when calls were received by 112 reporting a fire at the venue.
Local sources in the region indicate that the investigation is underway and that the fire might have been started by an intruder. One line of inquiry mentions a possible short circuit in one of the disco bulbs as a potential trigger. Eyewitness accounts describe rapid flame spread, as the roof collapsed and the interior structure gave way. Emergency crews were still addressing the scene an hour after arrival, when additional structural failures were reported.
The local Police of Murcia joined the emergency response and managed traffic around the affected area. The old Alicante road was closed to ensure unimpeded access for responders and to safeguard bystanders and evacuees.
Although an initial request was made for helicopter support, the decision by the General Directorate of Security and Emergency Situations determined that aerial intervention was no longer necessary. Containment efforts remained focused on the ground response, with priorities set on saving lives, protecting surrounding properties, and preventing the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
Ricardo Villalba, the Director General of Security and Emergencies, is coordinating with the Municipal Council of Murcia to marshal the necessary resources and coordinate the ongoing relief effort. Authorities are awaiting the arrival of higher-level officials to review the situation and assist with regional planning for recovery and support to those affected. The investigation will continue with formal inquiries, digital forensics, and perimeter assessments, aiming to determine the precise cause and timeline of events while ensuring accountability and public safety in the aftermath of this tragedy. This incident underscores the importance of rapid response protocols, clear communication with residents, and comprehensive planning for large-scale emergencies in urban entertainment venues.