On April 4, 2025, a devastating tornado struck Coria del Río, a municipality in Seville, Spain, resulting in the tragic collapse of an agricultural building. The incident, which occurred around 11:35 AM, led to the deaths of three men, all of whom were working inside the structure at the time of the disaster.
The strong winds, which reached speeds of up to 50 km/h, were accompanied by heavy rains, causing significant damage to the building and surrounding areas. According to the regional Health Department of the Junta de Andalucía, two of the deceased were brothers, aged 61 and 59, from the nearby town of Dos Hermanas. The third victim was a 40-year-old man whose residence has not yet been confirmed.
Emergency services received a call about the collapse and quickly arrived at the scene. Canine units were deployed to search for additional victims among the rubble. So far, one body has been recovered, and efforts are ongoing to ensure the area is safe and to confirm the status of any potential additional victims.
Francisco Toscano, the subdelegate of the Government in Seville, provided updates on the situation, confirming that the building's roof had been torn off by the hurricane-force winds. He noted that the walls of the structure were also severely damaged, and a high-voltage tower was affected during the incident. The local authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse, with a judge already opening proceedings.
The Coria del Río City Council has declared an official mourning period in honor of the victims, with a minute of silence scheduled to take place at 8 PM on April 5, 2025, at the town hall. Mayor Modesto González expressed his condolences and concern for the families affected by this tragedy.
This incident marks a grim statistic, as it adds to the rising number of workplace fatalities in Andalusia. So far in 2025, there have been 24 workplace-related deaths in the region, surpassing the total for the entire year of 2024. Among these incidents, six have occurred in the province of Seville alone.
In the days leading up to the disaster, the region had already been experiencing severe weather conditions, with the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issuing a yellow alert due to strong winds and heavy rain. On April 3, the storm had caused over 70 incidents across Andalusia, predominantly in Seville, highlighting the severity of the weather system affecting the area.
The aftermath of the tornado has left many residents shaken, as images from the scene show significant destruction. The agricultural building, located near Cortijo El Sequero, was known to be a working facility, and the loss of life has raised concerns about safety regulations in such structures during extreme weather events.
As recovery efforts continue, the community is coming together to support the families of the victims. Local organizations and citizens are mobilizing to provide assistance, from emotional support to financial aid for those affected by this tragic event.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as further storms are forecasted, and the potential for additional severe weather remains a concern. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the need for preparedness in the face of extreme weather.
As investigations proceed, the community of Coria del Río stands united in mourning, reflecting on the lives lost and the impact of this disaster on their tight-knit community. Efforts will be made to ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future through stricter safety measures and improved building regulations.
