A devastating fire at the Jardines de Villafranca elderly care home in Villafranca de Ebro, near Zaragoza, has claimed the lives of at least 10 residents, with two others critically injured.

The blaze, which broke out around 5 a.

m.

, is the deadliest in a Spanish care facility this century.

Initial reports suggest the fire started in a mattress, but the exact cause remains under investigation.

Emergency services, including firefighters, police, and medical teams, responded swiftly, evacuating 69 residents and providing medical care.

The government has expressed condolences and is offering psychological support to affected families.

Plans are underway to relocate surviving residents to another facility for continued care.