A fire that started on Saturday morning on the first floor of block number 29 on Carrer Santiago Rusiñol in Sitges ended tragically with one fatality – the owner of the property, Josep Maria Martínez, who was the father of local councillor David Martínez.
His wife, the former councillor Vinyet Lluís, who was also with him inside the house, was transferred to the Moisès Broggi Hospital, where she is doing well from the minor burns she suffered, as well as smoke inhalation.
The fire warning was given at around 5am and the Volunteer Fire Department activated seven units to the scene from Sitges and Vilanova. Their quick intervention was key for ensuring that the flames did not spread throughout the building. The Medical Emergency Service, the Local Police and the Mossos d’Esquadra also participated in the operation.
The Mossos are investigating the cause of the fire. First reports indicated that the structure of the house and those of the neighbouring houses were not affected.
The fire affected the dining-room, corridor, hallway and balcony of the property. The communal staircase of the block was also filled with smoke and other residents had to remain confined to their homes.
Martínez was already unconscious due to smoke inhalation and with first degree burns when he was removed from the building. Although the police and fire brigade managed to revive him with a defibrillator until the paramedics arrived, he lost his life two hours later at the Vall d’Hebron Hospital.
Josep Maria Martínez was a well-known and respected man in Sitges. Councillors, political groups and various entities in the town joined his family and friends in publicly expressing their condolences.
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