Police Rule Tenerife Apartment Fire That Killed Four Accidental
Authorities have concluded that the fatal April 20 fire in Los Realejos, Tenerife, which claimed four lives, was accidental and involved no criminal activity.
The investigation into the tragic fire on April 20 in Los Realejos, Tenerife, has concluded that the blaze was accidental. Police have ruled out any criminal activity, and no one is being held or investigated in connection with the fire at 23 Los Bancales Street in the Toscal-Longuera area.
The fire broke out at 3:29 a.m., claiming the lives of four people who died from inhaling toxic smoke. The blaze caused severe damage to the Rosme II building, and thick smoke made it difficult for residents to evacuate. The victims were discovered in the building’s common areas, including the courtyard and stairwell, while attempting to escape.
The victims included two retired teachers, 75-year-old Otilia and her neighbor Concepción, who lived in the apartment where the fire began. A married couple, Ramón and Juana, were also rescued and taken to the Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria University Hospital in critical condition, but they passed away hours later. The tragedy has deeply affected the local community, as the victims were well-known and had previously worked at local schools, including CEIP Punta Brava.
While the initial police report is complete, forensic experts are still analyzing the scene to understand how the fire spread so quickly. Meanwhile, the Judicial Police have interviewed the two tenants of the apartment where the fire started; their statements have been key to confirming that the incident was not intentional.
This tragedy highlights the importance of fire safety in older buildings and the dangers of smoke inhalation in enclosed spaces. As the case moves to the courts, authorities will examine whether the building met all necessary safety and fire protection regulations.