A massive fire broke out Tuesday night at the Real Betis Baloncesto Basketball Stadium in Seville, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals and injuries to 23 more, emergency services have confirmed. Authorities are calling it one of the worst tragedies in Spanish sports facility history.
The fire erupted during a youth basketball exhibition match, with hundreds of spectators in attendance, including children, coaches, and families.
🔥 Timeline of the Incident
The blaze is believed to have started around 7:50 PM local time, shortly after the halftime break of a junior league match hosted at the PabellĂłn de San Pablo, the home venue of Real Betis Baloncesto.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud electrical pop, followed by smoke rising from a maintenance area underneath the lower stands. Within minutes, flames engulfed sections of the east corridor and concession area, causing panic and stampedes toward exits.
“We tried to get the children out first,” said one security staff member. “But the fire spread too fast. It was pure chaos.”
🚨 Emergency Response
Firefighters from Bomberos de Sevilla arrived within 10 minutes and began evacuating survivors while combating the blaze, which was classified as a level-three emergency due to the size of the structure and number of civilians involved.
Despite heroic rescue efforts, 14 victims were pronounced dead at the scene, including two children, four Real Betis youth staff members, and several parents. 23 individuals were hospitalized, some with severe burns and smoke inhalation.
Commander Luis Ortega, speaking at a press conference, called it a “dark day for the city and for Spanish basketball.”
⚠️ Cause: Electrical Explosion Confirmed
Investigators have confirmed that the fire originated from a malfunctioning power distribution unit in a utility room beneath the eastern bleachers. The electrical system had reportedly undergone partial renovations last year, but outdated wiring and a voltage surge likely caused the explosion.
Authorities are now reviewing maintenance logs and safety inspection records, while local prosecutors have launched a formal investigation to determine if negligence or oversight contributed to the incident.
🇪🇸 National Response & Mourning
Spain’s Prime Minister issued a statement expressing profound grief and national solidarity:
“We stand with Seville in mourning. The nation has lost innocent lives in a place meant to inspire hope, unity, and youth development.”
The Spanish Basketball Federation suspended all scheduled games for the week and has called for a moment of silence before each match across the country in memory of the victims.
Flags will fly at half-mast throughout Andalusia for three days.
đź’” Community Impact
A growing memorial of candles, team jerseys, and handwritten notes now surrounds the gates of the arena. Local officials are organizing a public vigil to honor the lives lost and raise funds for medical and funeral support.
Over €500,000 has already been pledged through a community-led crowdfunding campaign launched just hours after the tragedy.
đź“ž Assistance for Families
Families seeking information or assistance are urged to contact the Seville Emergency Coordination Center at +34 955 000 112 or visit the Hospital Universitario Virgen del RocĂo for updates on admitted patients.
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