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Much of business in central Madrid has been suspended because of a fire in a high-rise in the business district. The high-rise probably will need to be demolished soon, as it is likely no longer structurally sound.
This really brings home the fact that a downtown is a complex organism with a lot of knock-on impacts. One electrical short in one building stops all business in the area -- a huge sum lost. Of course, this reminds us of 9/11, although this is on a much smaller scale.
I am hopeful that this and 9/11 will make fireproofing more stringent. Maybe new materials will have to be used, so that fires and terrorism can't harm the structural integrity of a high-rise or skyscraper. I'm a little confused as to why the fire alarm didn't work -- don't they have fire alarm tests every half year or year? In any event, skyscraper fires happen in the US from time to time (much taller buildings than this high-rise), and it doesn't seem to have as much impact on the surrounding areas. I remember the Chicago fire last year, for instance.
This really brings home the fact that a downtown is a complex organism with a lot of knock-on impacts. One electrical short in one building stops all business in the area -- a huge sum lost. Of course, this reminds us of 9/11, although this is on a much smaller scale.
I am hopeful that this and 9/11 will make fireproofing more stringent. Maybe new materials will have to be used, so that fires and terrorism can't harm the structural integrity of a high-rise or skyscraper. I'm a little confused as to why the fire alarm didn't work -- don't they have fire alarm tests every half year or year? In any event, skyscraper fires happen in the US from time to time (much taller buildings than this high-rise), and it doesn't seem to have as much impact on the surrounding areas. I remember the Chicago fire last year, for instance.
Madrid skyscraper faces collapse
Madrid blaze
A short circuit was one early theory for the fire
Sections of a well-known Madrid office building 32 storeys high collapsed on Sunday morning after a fire raged through the upper floors.
No one is believed to have been inside but firefighters say the entire structure is now at risk of collapsing.
Large pieces of the Windsor Building plunged to the ground as the blaze destroyed its top floors, sending columns of black smoke into the night.
Businesses and offices are to remain closed and transport has been diverted.
Nearby bars, nightclubs and blocks of flats were evacuated as flames ripped through the building, one of the capital's most emblematic structures.
A spokesman for the fire services said the building in the business heart of Madrid was empty when the fire started.
He said no civilians had been injured, but three firemen were being treated for smoke inhalation.
Short-circuit theory
Several top floors have slumped onto lower ones, and fire official Fernando Munilla said the 106-metre tall building could collapse.
"If the partial collapses keep happening, it would be lying to say it's impossible that the whole building couldn't fall down," he said.
An investigation has been opened. Spanish media said the fire appeared to have been an accident.
Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz Gallardon said the fire is believed to have been caused by a short-circuit on the 21st floor.
"This is the biggest fire ... this city has ever had," he told the Associated Press news agency on Sunday afternoon.
"Technically we can't say that the fire is under control. The situation is still critical."
For safety reasons, he said businesses and offices would remain closed until at least Wednesday.
Traffic around the area will be diverted and underground train services passing by the tower will be curtailed.
Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero visited the scene on Sunday.
He said: "I wanted to thank all those people who have been working since early in the morning - firefighters, police and all those who have thrown themselves in to help in this catastrophe."
Madrid blaze
A short circuit was one early theory for the fire
Sections of a well-known Madrid office building 32 storeys high collapsed on Sunday morning after a fire raged through the upper floors.
No one is believed to have been inside but firefighters say the entire structure is now at risk of collapsing.
Large pieces of the Windsor Building plunged to the ground as the blaze destroyed its top floors, sending columns of black smoke into the night.
Businesses and offices are to remain closed and transport has been diverted.
Nearby bars, nightclubs and blocks of flats were evacuated as flames ripped through the building, one of the capital's most emblematic structures.
A spokesman for the fire services said the building in the business heart of Madrid was empty when the fire started.
He said no civilians had been injured, but three firemen were being treated for smoke inhalation.
Short-circuit theory
Several top floors have slumped onto lower ones, and fire official Fernando Munilla said the 106-metre tall building could collapse.
"If the partial collapses keep happening, it would be lying to say it's impossible that the whole building couldn't fall down," he said.
An investigation has been opened. Spanish media said the fire appeared to have been an accident.
Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz Gallardon said the fire is believed to have been caused by a short-circuit on the 21st floor.
"This is the biggest fire ... this city has ever had," he told the Associated Press news agency on Sunday afternoon.
"Technically we can't say that the fire is under control. The situation is still critical."
For safety reasons, he said businesses and offices would remain closed until at least Wednesday.
Traffic around the area will be diverted and underground train services passing by the tower will be curtailed.
Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero visited the scene on Sunday.
He said: "I wanted to thank all those people who have been working since early in the morning - firefighters, police and all those who have thrown themselves in to help in this catastrophe."
you're right
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