In a heart-wrenching incident in the neighborhood of l'Erm in Manlleu, a fire in a makeshift storage room on the roof of a five-story building resulted in the deaths of five adolescents aged 14 to 17 years. The victims were trapped in an eight square meter room that had become a local gathering place, often accessed through a door that was left open 24 hours a day. This tragedy has struck a deep emotional chord in the community, with residents stating that such accidents could happen to anyone due to the unsafe conditions.

The storage room where the fire broke out is part of a larger building with 41 small attic spaces, designed for residents to store their belongings. However, the design of these spaces, encapsulated within a labyrinth of narrow hallways and a complete lack of ventilation, poses significant risks in emergencies. The incident brings to light the need for better safety regulations and fire prevention measures in buildings with similar features, as well as a reminder for residents about the importance of adhering to safety protocols.

Local authorities are grappling with the implications of this disaster, as it underscores the lack of oversight in residential building safety standards. As investigations proceed into the cause of the fire and potential negligence, the community is left mourning the loss of young lives and demanding answers on how to prevent such tragedies in the future. This incident serves as a call to action for enforcing safer living conditions and ensuring that residential structures adhere to necessary safety protocols.