A tragic incident unfolded in Bilbao on Thursday, April 17, 2025, when a two-year-old girl fell from a sixth-floor apartment, leading to her untimely death. The event occurred around 5:20 PM at number 18 Irumineta Street in the Otxarkoaga neighborhood, a modest area known for its strong African community presence.
According to reports from the Basque Department of Security, emergency services rushed to the scene but were unable to save the child due to the severity of her injuries. Eyewitnesses recalled hearing screams from the street below, and upon looking out, they were horrified to realize that the girl had fallen from the window.
The girl's parents were reportedly dining with friends at the time of the incident, momentarily losing sight of their daughter. This moment of distraction led to a tragedy that has left the community in shock. "What a terrible tragedy. The family was gathered with several friends and heard screams from the street; when they looked out, they couldn't believe their daughter had fallen out the window. It was a horrible accident," said a neighbor who witnessed the aftermath.
Initial investigations by the Ertzaintza, the Basque police force, suggest that the circumstances surrounding the fall appear to be accidental. While the police estimate the girl's age to be two years, some family sources have indicated that she may have been around four years old. This discrepancy highlights the emotional turmoil the family is experiencing as they grapple with their loss.
The family, originally from Africa, has been living in the Otxarkoaga neighborhood for about three years. The father hails from Nigeria, while the mother is from Equatorial Guinea. They are known in the community as hardworking individuals, with the father having taken on various jobs including construction, hospitality, and street vending. "They are a very hardworking family," noted a neighbor, Mati Expósito. "They often use holidays to spend time with their loved ones because there are times when the father has had to work weekends."
In the wake of the tragedy, the girl's mother was taken to a health center due to the shock she suffered from the incident. Friends and neighbors have described the family as resilient, with the mother having previously endured the loss of a twin during childbirth. "I don't understand how this could have happened," lamented a close friend of the mother, tears streaming down her face. "It's so painful for her, especially after losing one twin already."
The couple has another set of twins, adding to the complexity of their grief. Community members have gathered in small groups to console one another, many expressing disbelief at the incident. "What the girl loved most was going to the park to play with other children on the swings," one neighbor recalled, capturing the innocence of the young girl whose life was cut short.
Local residents have expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, with many congregating in the street to share their condolences. The atmosphere in Irumineta Street is heavy with grief, as many struggle to comprehend the loss. "No one can believe the news. It’s just heartbreaking," said Ndeu, a family friend. "The father had his papers sorted for a long time and was trying to settle down. Now this happens when things were starting to go well for them. What a huge loss."
The Ertzaintza continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fall, gathering statements from witnesses and neighbors to piece together the events leading to this heartbreaking accident. The community is rallying around the family, offering support and condolences as they navigate this devastating time.
As the investigation unfolds, the Otxarkoaga neighborhood remains in mourning, reflecting on the fragile nature of life and the unexpected tragedies that can occur in an instant. The story of this little girl serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance and care in our everyday lives, especially when it comes to the safety of our children.
