Badalona, Spain: Three fatalities due to a five-storey building collapse

A five-storey building collapsed at 10:30am local time on Tuesday 6^th of February in Badalona (near Barcelona), causing three fatalities. The building was located at Rua Canigó 9 and built in 1959. As authorities stated, the building crumbled into a cloud of dust and rubble from attic to ground, as the attic caved in, leading to a so-called pancake collapse. This type of partial collapse occurs when a floor falls onto another.

Firefighters, medical teams, and counselors were immediately sent to the site. Thirteen firefighting units, five medical teams, and a group of psychologists converged on the area, dedicated to rescuing survivors and aiding several people. The rescue operation was expected to last approximately 24 hours.

Furthermore, the incident drew attention to the concerning risks linked with construction integrity and it highlights the necessity for strict building safety standards and regular structural evaluations. The tragedy in Badalona serves as a wake-up call for architects and engineers worldwide, emphasizing their responsibility to ensure the welfare and safety of residents.