Else Beekman
A tragic discovery was made on the morning of Saturday, February 8, when the body of a homeless man was found burned under a bridge in Usera, Madrid. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and authorities are investigating whether foul play was involved.
The incident took place beneath a pedestrian bridge on Calle de Antonio López, close to the M-30 highway and the Manzanares River. A local resident reported heavy smoke emerging from under the bridge, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly. Upon arrival, police officers and firefighters extinguished the flames, only to find the charred remains of a man who had been living in the area.
Medical personnel from Samur arrived at the scene but were unable to do anything to save the victim. His identity remains unknown, and authorities are working to determine the exact cause of death.
Investigation underway
The Homicide Unit (Group VI) took over the case of the Judicial Police Brigade. The Institute of Legal Medicine in Valdebebas conducted the victim’s autopsy on Sunday, February 9. However, they have not released any official conclusions regarding whether the man’s death was accidental or the result of a violent crime.
This incident underscores the growing concerns over the safety of Madrid’s homeless population. Cases of violence against vulnerable individuals living on the streets have been reported in recent years. This tendency is raising questions about the need for greater protection and social support.
Previous similar incidents
The case bears a resemblance to a previous attack in Madrid. Recently, a court sentenced a man to seven and a half years in prison for attempting to burn a homeless person alive in the district of Tetuán. The victim, who was sleeping on the street, narrowly survived the attack.
Rising number of homeless people in Spain
The number of homeless people in Spain has been rising steadily, with more than 42,000 individuals currently living on the streets. This marks a 7% increase from the previous year. Many of these individuals, like Roberto, spend their nights searching for a safe place to rest, often resorting to sleeping in doorways or train stations. Others, such as Jon, who arrived from Bulgaria eight years ago, rely on charity and move from one location to another each night.
For many homeless individuals, daily survival is a struggle. They seek shelter under bridges, bus stops, and cardboard structures, often grouping together for safety against assaults and theft. “If you fall asleep, they steal everything from you,” says Roberto, who has lost even his dirty laundry to thieves.
Humanitarian organisations, including the Red Cross, are actively working to support the homeless population. A Red Cross representative highlights the growing issue, stating, “There are people who had jobs, stable lives, and lost everything due to unemployment or being unable to pay rent or mortgages.”
Statistics indicate that three out of ten homeless people have no income, while two out of ten are women, underscoring the economic and social hardships contributing to homelessness in Spain.