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Date Published: 06/11/2024

Murcia nightclub fined 100,000 euros for negligence leading to deadly fire

The fire at the Teatre club in Murcia city claimed the lives of 13 people last October

On October 1 last year, a devastating fire swept through the Teatre nightclub in the Atalayas area of Murcia capital city, claiming the lives of 13 innocent people. A large-scale investigation followed and this week, the Labour and Social Security Inspectorate has imposed a fine of 100,000 euros on the nightclub for a very serious infringement in the area of occupational risk prevention.

The fire was reportedly caused by the misuse of a spark or cold fire machine during a party, and while all of the victims were found in the Fonda Milagros club, investigators quickly established that the fire originated in the adjoining Teatre, which is only separated by a plasterboard wall.

According to the resolution published in the Official Gazette of the Region of Murcia on Wednesday November 6, the nightclub has been fined for violating article 13.10 of Royal Decree Law 5/2000, which highlights failures to adopt “preventative measures” which could result in “a serious and imminent” risk.

The investigation into the fire revealed a shocking lack of regard for safety protocols and regulations. The nightclub had been operating with serious deficiencies in fire prevention, including blocked emergency exits, no fire alarm systems and a lack of proper lighting.

One of the most harrowing revelations is that the buildings were plunged into complete darkness once the fire broke out, adding to the terror and confusion of the customers and staff.

The victims' lawyers have been vocal in their criticism of the premises' security measures, which they claim were woefully inadequate.

Since that fateful night, nightclub staff have also revealed that they had not received any type of course or training on occupational risk prevention, nor had they taken part in evacuation drills to know how to act in the event of a fire.

Now, just a month after the first anniversary of this tragedy, the fact that such a horrific event could have been prevented with proper safety measures in place adds more heartbreak for the families and friends of the victims.

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Image: Ayuntamiento de Murcia/José Ballesta

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