Xàbia's town council yesterday, Thursday, unanimously approved a proposal to urge the Valencian Security Agency to award the Police Merit Cross with a red distinction to officers Antonio Soler and Elena Torres. These officers entered a burning building without self-contained breathing apparatus to save the lives of five people, including two minors. The fire, which occurred on February 12th, caused dense toxic smoke that blocked escape routes, resulting in two deaths and the evacuation of approximately 40 residents.
Officer Antonio Soler used a painter's lift to access the building's fourth floor. Guided by the residents' cries, he located and rescued a family of five, including a 5-year-old child, risking his own life. Meanwhile, Elena Torres accessed a terrace to assist trapped residents.
“"Entering a burning building without self-contained breathing apparatus to save the lives of five people, demonstrating a spirit of sacrifice that transcends the strict fulfillment of ordinary duties."
Furthermore, the council requested the Police Merit Cross with a blue distinction for local officers Mariano Armero, Antonio Sánchez, Alejandro Jávega, Jorge Ortega, Carlos Javier Medivil, and José Manuel Martín. Their swift action enabled the 'in extremis' evacuation of the remaining residents, secured the safety perimeter, coordinated with other emergency services, and provided initial assistance to those affected by anxiety attacks and smoke inhalation.
The fire, described as having 'extreme aggressiveness and spread,' caused the deaths of Arantza, 70, the owner of the apartment where the flames originated, and Gerson, 42, who lost his life attempting to rescue his neighbors. The fire also left several injured and forced the evacuation of approximately 40 residents from the building in the Jávea Park urbanization.
