Handbag factory fire – hundreds evacuated

HUNDREDS of residents in the town of Valencia were evacuated from their homes this morning as police battled with fumes from a nearby factory fire. Inhabitants from four apartment buildings alongside the factory were ordered to abandon their homes by police for risk of intoxication and debris from the burning factory, which was totally destroyed. Apartment blocks 19, 20, 21 and 22 were thought to be most at risk.

The fire started on the ground floor at 00.27 hours on Friday morning in Calle Francisco Moreno Usedo. The cause of the fire has not yet established but the residents of the neighbouring buildings will not be allowed to return to their homes until the Municipal Fire Service finish underpinning and securing the remains of the building. Reports from within the Fire Service claim the residents will most likely be allowed back to their apartments before bedtime tonight.