In Ourense, a third-year ESO student of IES Julio Prieto Nespereira died following the collapse of a wall at 14:00 in the sports center adjacent to the light-utility facilities. Firefighters and local police had to mobilize quickly to manage the emergency as the wall separating the showers from the rest of the locker room gave way at the sports center.
The incident occurred during the last hours of the school day and sent shockwaves through the community. Parents waiting to collect their children were immediately alerted, while the deceased student’s body remained inside the center pending formal procedures. The information was confirmed by Telmo Ucha, a member of the Ourense City Council’s Security Council.
Following the news of the death, Gabriel Alén, the Xunta de Galicia delegate in Ourense, canceled today’s events and expressed condolences to the family of the deceased student and to the entire educational community during this difficult time.
student criticism
Speaking outside the school, Alén declined to confirm the age of the deceased or provide details about the student’s death. He also did not respond to criticism that the collapse occurred outside the institute, despite concerns raised by members of the school community and alumni about the condition of the locker room area.
classmates of the deceased and the injured minor indicated that the wall had shown signs of movement for years and had not been repaired. They stated that the collapse could have been far worse, noting that when classmates noticed the danger, they managed to escape in time.
technical report
The matter was taken up by the head of Ourense Investigation Court No. 3, who authorized the exhumation and ordered an autopsy. A technical assessment and a comprehensive photographic survey of the wall’s condition were also commissioned, and the area was sealed off pending further action.
Officials described the events as a grave incident that underscores the importance of ongoing safety inspections in school facilities and the rapid coordination among police, emergency responders, and local government to protect students in the region. In the wake of the tragedy, educators and families are calling for transparency regarding building maintenance records and for prompt remedial measures where risks are identified, with authorities stressing that student safety remains the top priority in educational spaces.