The investigation into a tragic building fire in the Campanar neighborhood of Valencia, which resulted in the deaths of ten individuals, has been declared accidental by the presiding judge of the Court of Instruction Number 9 of Valencia.

The judge has decided to archive the case, concluding that no criminal offense was committed.

The judge's ruling stipulates the provisional dismissal of the preliminary proceedings that were initiated following the incident that occurred on February 22 of the previous year.

Notably, the court determined that there was no known perpetrator, whether intentional or negligent, who could be held criminally responsible for the events in question.

According to the judge's order, which can be appealed within three days, no indicative evidence of a crime or potential offender has been found throughout the investigation that would warrant charges.

The judge stated that the unfortunate events that alarmed the Valencian society have been classified as accidental, devoid of human culpability and due to an unforeseen accident.

The 23-page order meticulously summarizes all investigative actions completed thus far, which are categorized into three main areas: prevention, extinguishment, and specific investigation.

This includes testimonies from nearly thirty witnesses and an analysis of numerous documents integrated into the case, such as a report prepared by specialists from the General Scientific Police Commissionerate of the National Police.

The report determined that the fire originated accidentally from a primary source located in the refrigerator of apartment number 86 on the eighth floor of the building, situated at 2 Poet Rafael Alberti Street in Valencia.

The judge also referred to a critical document regarding the type of material used for the building's facade, classified as M1 (non-flammable).

The material complied with existing legal standards, and the judge noted no indication of negligence on the part of technical personnel, either private or municipal, as well as their suppliers or manufacturers.

Regarding the firefighting efforts undertaken by the Valencia fire brigade, the judge stated that these actions adhered to the appropriate protocols and responded effectively to the evolving conditions of the emergency.

The ruling also delineates prior decisions from the Provincial Court of Valencia, affirming the rulings issued by the judge in the previous appeals.

The conclusion of the general instruction process indicates that there is insufficient legal basis to establish any culpability among those involved or regarding the construction of the Campanar building, attributing the catastrophic consequences solely to an accidental cause.

Victims’ families and the association representing the property owners and those affected have expressed their dissent toward the judicial decision to archive the case.

They maintain that this decision does not diminish their commitment to uncovering the truth and achieving justice.

A lawyer representing the victims has indicated plans to appeal against the provisional dismissal.

In their statement, the families affirmed that they deserve a thorough investigation out of respect for the deceased victims of this tragic incident, emphasizing their right to seek accountability regarding what transpired on that fateful day.

This marks the second instance in which Court of Instruction 9 has attempted to conclude the judicial proceedings, having initially issued a provisional dismissal early in March 2024, shortly after the incident, with the support of the Provincial Prosecutor's Office.