The National Police have identified the person responsible for the fire that broke out during the Virgen del Carmen procession in Estepona. A flare launched from a boat hit some offices on the seafront, causing damages estimated at €100,000.
Officers from the National Police have resolved the fire that occurred on July 16 during the Virgen del Carmen procession in Estepona. The blaze, caused by a flare launched from the sea, reached some offices located on the seafront, forcing the evacuation of around thirty people.
The events took place shortly after eleven at night, right at the moment of the Virgen's disembarkation. According to investigations, a flare was fired from one of the boats participating in the maritime procession. The device flew over the crowd on the beach, crossed the seafront, and entered an office in a nearby building.
The impact caused a fire that generated thick smoke and toxic gases. Firefighters arrived at the scene and extinguished the flames, while officers from both the National and Local Police proceeded with the immediate evacuation of the building. About thirty people had to spend the night outside their homes until the following day when they could return.
The estimated amount of material damages could rise to €100,000, according to initial assessments. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the public, although the alleged perpetrator of the launch suffered burns on his hands while handling the flare and required medical assistance.
Officers from the Estepona Local Police Station, belonging to Citizen Security, went to the marina to locate the boat from which the flare was launched. The Local Judicial Police Brigade, along with statements from several witnesses, allowed for the full identification of the person responsible for the incident.
The individual under investigation will have to answer to justice for a serious crime of arson and for the damages caused. The judicial process could lead to a conviction that requires him to compensate the residents of the affected building, the owner of the damaged office, and to cover the costs of firefighting and victim assistance services.
This incident has sparked an intense debate in Estepona regarding safety during maritime processions and the use of pyrotechnic materials. The local council has already announced that it will review safety protocols to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
Residents of the seafront, who experienced moments of tension that night, hope that the judicial process will ensure the responsible party faces the consequences of their actions. Meanwhile, the investigation remains open to determine if there were more individuals involved in the launch of the flare.
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