A devastating house fire in Benalmádena, Spain, has claimed the lives of two children, aged 10 and 15. The tragedy occurred in the early hours of Thursday, July 30, 2026, in the Arroyo de la Miel district. The children's mother was also severely injured and has been hospitalized.
The fire erupted around 5:40 AM in a four-story building on Calle Ónix, a residential area near the A-7 motorway and the Tívoli World amusement park. Emergency services, including firefighters from Benalmádena, Mijas, and Fuengirola, as well as police and medical teams, responded promptly. Despite their efforts, the two children perished, and their mother was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. A firefighter sustained injuries during the operation, and several police officers and firefighters required medical attention due to smoke inhalation.
The fire affected four apartments, leading to the evacuation of two floors. The exact cause of the blaze is under investigation. The Benalmádena City Council has declared three days of official mourning and suspended all scheduled activities for the weekend. Mayor Juan Antonio Lara expressed profound sorrow, describing the incident as a "brutal tragedy" that has deeply affected the community. He extended condolences to the victims' families and acknowledged the efforts of the emergency responders.
The bodies of the deceased children have been transferred to the Málaga Institute of Legal Medicine for autopsy. The community remains in shock, awaiting further details as investigations continue.