On April 4, 2025, a tragic accident in Coria del Río, Seville, claimed the lives of three men when the roof of an agricultural building collapsed. The incident occurred at the Cortijo El Sequero around 11:35 AM, as strong winds, potentially from a tornado, tore off the roof and severely damaged the walls of the structure. According to local authorities, the agricultural building measured approximately 25 by 20 meters and was dedicated to the cultivation of citrus fruits.
The deceased were identified as two brothers, aged 61 and 59, from the nearby town of Dos Hermanas, and a 40-year-old man from Benacazón. All three were reportedly inside the building at the time of the collapse, repairing agricultural machinery due to the adverse weather conditions. Normally, around 20 workers would be present at the farm, but the severe weather had kept many of them indoors.
Witnesses described hearing a loud noise just before the collapse, with one individual stating, "I heard a very loud noise, like shutters, I turned around and everything had blown away." The local emergency services, including the provincial fire brigade, National Police, and emergency medical teams, were dispatched to the scene. Despite their efforts, the three men were found dead under the rubble.
Emergency services received the alert shortly after the collapse, with initial reports indicating that three individuals were trapped beneath the debris. Francisco Toscano, the sub-delegate of the Government in Seville, confirmed the fatalities and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
As investigations continue, authorities are considering the possibility that a tornado was responsible for the destruction. Pieces of the building's roof were found scattered up to 500 meters away, suggesting the intensity of the winds. The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) is expected to provide further insights into the weather conditions that led to the incident.
In light of this tragedy, the municipality of Coria del Río has declared an official day of mourning to honor the victims, with a minute of silence observed at the town hall on the same day. The nearby town of Dos Hermanas also declared two days of mourning, reflecting the community's shock and grief over the loss of life.
The Minister of Labor, Yolanda Díaz, has stated that the Labor Inspection is investigating the incident to determine if it qualifies as a workplace accident. She emphasized the importance of workplace safety, stating, "No one should lose their life at work." This sentiment was echoed by trade unions, who pointed out that companies are legally obligated to adapt work schedules in adverse weather conditions, as mandated by Real Decreto Ley 4/2023.
CCOO, a major labor union, expressed outrage over the tragic accident, highlighting that this incident marks the fourth workplace death in the province of Seville within a month during periods of adverse weather warnings. Carmen Tirado, the secretary of Occupational Health for CCOO in Seville, reiterated the need for employers to take weather warnings seriously to prevent such tragedies.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains in mourning, grappling with the loss of three lives in what has been described as a preventable tragedy. The event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations and the need for vigilance during extreme weather conditions.
In the wake of the incident, emergency services continued to work throughout the day to ensure that no additional victims were trapped under the rubble. Canine units were deployed to search the area, and drones were utilized to assess the situation from above. Local authorities have urged residents to remain cautious as the weather continues to pose challenges.
This incident has also sparked discussions about building safety standards in the region, especially for agricultural structures that may be vulnerable to extreme weather events. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the need for robust safety measures becomes increasingly critical.
The community of Coria del Río, along with neighboring towns, is now left to mourn the loss of the three men who were working to support their families and contribute to the local economy. Their untimely deaths highlight the urgent need for improved safety protocols in workplaces prone to adverse weather conditions.
As authorities continue their investigation, the hope is that lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to better protections for workers in the future, ensuring that no family has to endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one to a preventable accident.
