VIDEO/ Cracks in walls and alarming noises, building collapses near Valencia; residents evacuated in time

A three-story building collapsed on Tuesday evening in Benetússer, a town near Valencia in Spain.

No injuries were reported, as residents had exited the building just minutes before the collapse. They had noticed cracks in the walls and heard unusual noises, leading them to suspect a possible danger.

The Valencia Fire Department reported that the alert was received around 10:01 p.m. Residents of Las Américas street reported damage to the building’s structure and sounds suggesting it could collapse.

According to El País, the building had a ground floor and three residential floors, each containing one apartment. It was located next to a plot where construction work is underway for another building.

Firefighters and Fire Department commanders were dispatched to the area. By the time they arrived, the residents had already left the building. After a safety perimeter was established, the building collapsed completely just minutes later.

Authorities confirmed that no one was trapped under the rubble and there were no injuries.

Meanwhile, for safety reasons, the evacuation of another building near the incident site was ordered until inspections are carried out by technicians from the Benetússer Municipality. Firefighters are coordinating actions with local authorities and gas and electricity supply companies to secure the area.

The circumstances that led to the building’s collapse continue to be investigated. Local media report that construction work was taking place nearby, but it has not yet been confirmed whether it is linked to the incident.