The collapse of a structure at the Lluís Vives Primary School in Massanassa, Valencia, claimed the life of a 51-year-old Tragsa worker and left another injured on November 24. The building, severely damaged by the DANA storm in late October, had been classified as “catastrophic” and marked for potential demolition by regional authorities.
Despite warnings to restrict access, work was ongoing when the incident occurred.
According to emergency services, the roof collapsed around noon on Sunday, trapping two workers beneath falling beams and debris. Firefighters extracted the deceased worker, while the injured man, aged 35, was taken to Valencia’s Hospital La Fe with leg and head injuries.
Questions have since arisen about the safety protocols in place. Witnesses reported the building’s evident structural instability, with walls visibly buckled. Residents expressed outrage, questioning why workers were allowed on-site in such precarious conditions.
Investigation underway: Did a bulldozer trigger the collapse?
The Policia Nacional are investigating whether a bulldozer on-site may have accidentally hit a central pillar, triggering the roof’s collapse. Reports suggest the machine was operating in another part of the school at the time, adding complexity to the inquiry.
The incident has drawn criticism from multiple stakeholders. Massanassa’s mayor, Francisco Comes, stated that regional architects had flagged the building as unsafe. A “red alert” was issued on November 7, advising against entry due to the risk of collapse. Despite this, work proceeded, and neighbours reportedly saw people entering the building to retrieve items in the days prior.
Political and public reaction
The tragedy has sparked public outrage and political condemnation. On November 23, a day before the collapse, parents and teachers gathered in Valencia to protest what they called the “neglect” of public schools and the regional government’s “inadequate” management of storm damage. Protesters demanded the resignation of Valencia’s president, Carlos Mazón, and education minister José Antonio Rovira.
Following the collapse, Mazón convened an emergency meeting with the Ministry of Education and Tragsa to address the incident. He promised, “This cannot happen again.” Education minister Rovira called the collapse “unforeseeable,” a claim contradicted by local officials who had been warned of the building’s instability.
At the national level, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz expressed condolences to the victim’s family and pledged thorough investigations. Díaz announced that Spain’s Labour Inspectorate had already begun assessing the incident.
https://x.com/sanchezcastejon/status/1860668246405402763
Calls for accountability
Residents and activists are demanding accountability from both local and regional authorities. Questions remain about why safety warnings were not enforced and why workers were allowed into a structurally compromised building.
As investigations continue, the tragedy highlights concerns about infrastructure management and worker safety during post-disaster recovery efforts. For the family of the deceased, as well as the injured worker, it is a painful reminder of the risks faced by those helping rebuild after natural disasters.