13 people died in a fire in a Spanish nightclub

A deadly fire broke out at the Atalayas entertainment complex at 6am on Sunday. Photo: @BomberosMurcia/X

At least 13 people have died in a fire at nearby nightclubs in Spain, and rescuers are still searching for more bodies.

The fire broke out at 6am on Sunday in the nightclub area club at the Atalayas entertainment complex in Murcia, south-eastern Spain.< /p>

Local police said the bodies found so far were in the Fonda Milagros nightclub and two neighboring venues, the Teatre and Golden clubs, which were also damaged by the fire .

The cause of the fire was under investigation. It is not specified in which club the fire started.

Footage released by the Murcia Fire Service showed firefighters battling the blaze, with the fire finally brought under control at around 8am. The fire destroyed part of the roof of the Milagros Foundation.

Four people were in hospital with smoke inhalation, and officials warned the death toll could rise.

Among those believed to have died in the fire were killed several members of the group celebrating a birthday.

According to local media, about 20 friends and relatives gathered at the entertainment complex's restaurant to celebrate the 30th birthday of Eric, a Murcia resident originally from Nicaragua.

Out of this group, nine people reportedly made up their minds. continue the party at the Theater nightclub. At least two of them were reported to have died in the fire.

“When I arrived, the fire was all over the roof and the front of the nightclub,” says Alan Antonio, Eric's cousin, who left the party before disaster, reported the newspaper La Opinion de Murcía.

“They said the place was full. The people below were able to get out; those who were upstairs did not.”

According to the Murcia emergency services, four people are in hospital: two women, aged 22 and 25, and two men, aged 41 and 45.< /p>

Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez sent a telegram of condolences to the victims and their families.

“My affection and solidarity with the victims and their families of the tragic fire that occurred this morning at a nightclub in Murcia «Mr Sanchez said in a Twitter post now known as X.

He also thanked the emergency services for their help.

40 firefighters in 12 engines responded to the scene.

An information area for relatives of victims has been set up at a nearby sports center, where assistance is provided by a team of psychologists, social workers and civil protection officers.

Murcia Mayor José Ballesta said the entire city was “ shocked, appalled and devastated» by the news.

«There are no words to describe the mood of the people of Murcia at this time,» Mr Ballesta said.