Rescue Operation Underway After Building Collapse Traps Four Teens in Esparreguera

ESPARREGUERA, Spain – Emergency services are working to rescue four teenagers trapped inside the former Hospital d’Esparreguera, in the Baix Llobregat region near Barcelona, after a structural collapse occurred Sunday evening. The incident prompted a large-scale response from the Bombers de la Generalitat (Catalonia’s fire service), Mossos d’Esquadra (Catalonian police), and Servei d’Emergències Mèdiques (Medical Emergency Service). The initial alert was received at 6:06 PM local time (18:06 CET).

As of the latest reports, two of the adolescents have been extracted from the debris, with one suffering serious injuries. Firefighters remain in contact with the two remaining teenagers still inside the building and are actively working to secure their safe removal. The operation is complicated by the instability of the structure, requiring specialized teams and equipment.

The Bombers de la Generalitat have deployed 13 units to the scene, including the Grup d’Estructures Col·lapsades (Collapsed Structures Group), the Grup d’Actuacions Especials (Special Actions Group), and command and support vehicles. Drones from the unit’s aerial means division are also being utilized to assess the situation and aid in the rescue efforts. The scale of the response underscores the complexity and urgency of the operation.

The Servei d’Emergències Mèdiques has activated four ambulances to provide immediate medical attention to those rescued. Paramedics are on standby to transport the injured to nearby hospitals for further treatment. The severity of the injuries sustained by the rescued teenager highlights the dangerous conditions faced by both the victims and the emergency responders.

This incident brings to light the potential dangers posed by abandoned structures. The former hospital, reportedly derelict, became the site of a harrowing emergency, prompting questions about building safety and oversight in the region. Local authorities have not yet commented on the condition of the building prior to the collapse, but an investigation is expected to follow the rescue operation.

The Bombers de la Generalitat previously responded to a forest fire in Esparreguera in August 2025, extinguishing a blaze that generated secondary outbreaks. La Vanguardia reported that eight ground units and a helicopter were deployed to combat that fire, which affected a cane field near the same location.

While the cause of the hospital collapse remains unknown, authorities are prioritizing the safe rescue of the remaining teenagers. The operation is expected to continue throughout the night, with firefighters working diligently to stabilize the structure and reach those trapped inside. Updates will be provided as they become available.

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What’s Next: Emergency services will continue their rescue efforts until all four teenagers are safely recovered. Following the rescue, a thorough investigation will be launched to determine the cause of the structural collapse and assess the safety of other abandoned buildings in the area.