The Windsor Tower fire remains one of Spain's most enigmatic tragedies, captivating the nation with its mystery and horror. On February 12, 2005, this iconic skyscraper was engulfed by flames, leading to widespread conjecture about its cause and the events leading to its destruction. Now, as the 20th anniversary approaches, the fascination surrounding this incident continues to thrive, spurred by new media explorations like DMAX's documentary series La Maldición del Windsor and Cuatro's Sapo S.A.
The fire broke out on the 21st floor of the Torre Windsor, which stands over 100 meters tall with 32 floors. The alarm was raised at 11:19 PM, but neighbors reported smelling smoke as early as 9 PM. Within hours, the fire was deemed uncontrollable, forcing the evacuation of nearby offices and resulting in significant property damage.
According to reports, the rapid spread of the flames raised immediate questions. The fire reportedly traveled down the building's exterior, which was not typical behavior for such fires, leading to speculation about whether it was caused by negligence, sabotage, or even the supernatural. Witnesses described strange blue flames and the appearance of unsettling shadows—dubbed the “ghosts of Windsor”—in the moments before the building’s collapse.
DMAX seeks to unravel these mysteries through its four-part documentary series, which features testimonies from firefighters involved, journalists who covered the incident, and architects familiar with the building’s design. Critics suggest it showcases the internal power struggles of the Reyzábal family, the tower's owners, hinting at real estate intrigue amid the chaos of fire and emergency. Some speculate the fire may have been intentionally set to conceal illicit financial activities.
Providing another perspective is the production from Cuatro, Sapo S.A., especially intriguing because it features Jon Imanol Sapieha Candela, alias Sapo, who claims personal involvement. “I burned the Torre Windsor,” he asserts, detailing his supposed actions and motives behind the fire, elevates this incident from tragedy to crime thriller.
Despite the numerous documentaries, many key questions linger about what truly transpired within the tower's walls. How did such widespread destruction occur with seemingly little warning? What exactly was stored within the tower's offices? The judicial investigation, concluded without definitive answers, has only added fuel to the fire of speculation.
Among the many theories, one suggestion was documented by the police, who concluded the fire started accidentally due to a cigarette butt left carelessly extinguished. Others proposed it could relate to technical issues with firefighting resources on the scene, including critically low water pressure. Eyewitnesses reported the image of flames suddenly exploding near the topmost floors, prompting serious doubts about the narrative of accidental ignition.
Even prominent figures like José Manuel Villarejo, the controversial ex-police commissioner, have been connected to the scrutiny. Allegations of his involvement arose years later, linking his shadowy dealings to the fire itself—a claim he vehemently denies. The network of stories surrounding Villarejo plays perfectly with the overarching narrative of the Windsor Tower, heavy with both crime and mystique.
This tragic event has sparked significant changes within Spain’s building safety regulations, demanding stricter fire prevention measures and the incorporation of fire-resistant materials. The questioning of how this high-rise disaster could befall one of the city’s premier business districts has led to new urban safety standards, ensuring such instances are less likely to recur.
With the anniversary of the Windsor Tower fire approaching, the renewed interest suggests the need for closure—if not resolution—surrounding the incident. With multiple perspectives being explored through various documentaries, the hope remains to achieve what fans of true crime thrive upon: the truth.
What many now regard as more than just another fire incident stands as a stark reminder of the impacts of negligence and design flaws within urban structures. The Windsor Tower fire acts as both tragedy and cautionary tale, echoing through the streets of Madrid, beckoning future generations to explore these mysteries and prevent their recurrence. Two decades later, the fire remains vivid, echoing with more questions than conclusions. What really happened on February 12, 2005? Perhaps as these new narratives emerge, we may finally get closer to answering the burning questions surrounding the infamous Windsor fire.