Woman dies in fire at residency for old people near Madrid

A 90-year-old woman died from smoke inhalation and nine people were taken to hospital following a fire at a residency for retired people in the village of Robledo de Chavela (around 30 kilometers to the west of Madrid) in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Although the flames did not spread beyond the victim's room, nine people were taken to hospital to be treated for the effects of smoke inhalation, with five of those (including an employee at the residency) reported to be in a "serious" condition.

Emergency Services confirm the fire began shortly after midnight on the mattress belonging to the woman who died. Her room was on the upper floor of the two-storey residency called Santa Rita de Robledo de Chavala, which can house up to 78 residents.

The Madrid Regional Authority tweeted that four fire engines were sent to the scene, along with five vehicles equipped to give emergency intensive care, and other eight ambulances.

The fire brigade evacuated everyone from the center, starting with the upper floor where there were high concentrations of carbon monoxide gas.

A total of 41 residents and employees needed medical attention and emergency services advised members of the residents' families so they could collect them if necessary. The residency also made rooms in another wing of the building, which was undamaged by the fire.

333