A disaster that exposes a social issue
In the early hours of today, a fire at the former Simon factory in Girona left five people injured from smoke inhalation. This building, which houses a vulnerable group of homeless individuals, has become a critical point for the local community, where residents have reported repeated incidents related to fights and criminal acts.
The fire broke out shortly after half past three in the morning, leading to the rapid intervention of several fire crews, as well as the Medical Emergency System (SEM) and the Municipal Police. Fortunately, the injured were treated on the scene and did not require hospitalization.
However, the incident did not end there. Three hours after the initial fire, a reactivation occurred that forced the evacuation of about fifteen people who were still at the site. Despite the scare, there were no injuries reported this time. The evacuees were able to return to the abandoned building later.
The former Simon factory is set to become the site of the Ermessenda institute, where around 700 students of secondary education and baccalaureate are expected to study. This educational project has been waiting for its rehabilitation for years; in the meantime, the building continues to serve as a refuge for those without homes.
Not only did the fire in Girona make headlines this morning; similar incidents were also reported in Cervera. Two cars were consumed by flames near Parc del Migdia around five in the morning. The fire started in a parked vehicle and quickly spread to the second nearby car.
These events highlight a growing concern about public safety, both for residents and for those living in precarious conditions. The local community is demanding more effective measures to address these recurring issues before greater tragedies occur.
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