Two children are killed in a house fire on the Costa del Sol as their mother battles for her own life

A house fire in Spain’s Costa del Sol has killed two children and left their mother in serious condition.

Emergency services were called to an apartment building  on Thursday 30 in Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena, after flames broke out and rapidly spread between the third and fourth floors. Two siblings, aged 15 and 10, were unable to be saved despite the efforts of paramedics and firefighters.

The mother was rescued and taken to the hospital in serious condition.

Major emergency response

The alarm prompted an emergency response that included firefighters, police officers and doctors who searched the building and extinguished the fire.

Crews secured the area and fought fires while evacuating residents. After the fire was brought under control, investigators could begin to examine the scene.

Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the fire. A probe is currently underway to find out how it started and if there were any contributing factors.

Community in shock

Local residents have been shocked by the tragedy. Neighbours describe it as heartbreaking. In the province, fatal residential fires that involve children are uncommon. This makes the tragedy all the more painful for residents.

Emergency services remind homeowners to check that smoke alarms work correctly and are properly installed. Also, they advise them to clear escape routes and prepare a plan in case of an emergency.

Once the investigation has progressed and families have been informed, officials are expected to release more information.

While investigators continue to work on determining exactly what occurred inside the apartment, the immediate focus is still on those affected.

The community is mourning two young lives lost as investigators attempt to find out how the fire started. Once the official investigation has been completed, more information will be released.