Released after his accidental‑fire story matches the burned girl's account
The Court for Violence against Children and Adolescents in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has revoked the provisional detention of the young suspect following the victim’s testimony, which supports the suspect’s claim that the blaze was accidental, as do visual evidence and police, medical and fire‑brigade reports.
On 16 June, a 17‑year‑old girl suffered severe burns in the La Isleta neighbourhood. She was under the care of the Canary Islands government and required treatment at the Burn Unit in Seville, with burns covering 95 % of her body. The suspect, a 20‑year‑old Moroccan man, was treated for smoke inhalation on the day of the incident and later transferred to a hospital.
Declarations and Evidence Point to an Accidental Fire
The court’s ruling notes that the girl’s initial statement to the National Police—recorded in audio‑visual form, though still pending judicial confirmation—mirrors the suspect’s account and the reconstruction report, all indicating that the fire started unintentionally.
Subsequent medical reports have dismissed the hypothesis that the victim was doused with a flammable liquid; the girl herself expressly denied that scenario in her interview with investigators. This aligns with the National Police’s early assessment that an accidental fire, in which the girl became trapped despite the suspect’s attempts to help, was the most plausible explanation.
Judge Rules Out Intentionality and Considers Dropping the Most Serious Charges
Analyses from the Fire Brigade and the Scientific Police Unit conclude that the fire’s origin is compatible with a fortuitous cause. A key piece of visual evidence is an enhanced video showing the victim and the suspect exiting the building, meeting on the street, and embracing each other. The investigating judge interprets the embrace as a sign of mutual cooperation in a dangerous situation, further undermining any suggestion of intent.
Based on these elements, the judge issued an order on Tuesday stating that there is insufficient evidence at this stage to sustain charges of attempted homicide or serious intentional injury. The criminal investigation remains open, now focused on determining whether any negligence contributed to the injuries.
A Case Set Against a Background of Tension
The fire occurred only five days after a violent clash between youth groups in La Isleta on 11 July, during which a young Moroccan was stabbed after a confrontation that began on Calle El Palmar and ended near the Sebadal fire station. According to Fuerteventura Digital, participants in the clash had previously sought police protection. One of the individuals who called emergency services on 16 June to report the fire was among those investigated for the 11 July brawl, and the Moroccan suspect now released on provisional liberty was also linked to that earlier confrontation.
Although the provisional detention has been lifted, the case remains in the investigative phase before the Court of Instruction No. 3 of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and further inquiries are ongoing.