More than 100 residents evacuated in Cieza as 38-metre chimney threatens to collapse

Emergency crews cleared around 40 homes in Cieza after residents reported the structure swaying and engineers confirmed a real risk of collapse

More than 100 residents were asked to leave their homes in the town of Cieza on Monday night, February 16, after a 38-metre chimney tower in the town centre began swaying, raising concerns it could collapse.

The affected homes, around 40 in total, are located along Calle Escultor Salzillo and nearby streets including Avenida Gran Vía Juan Carlos I and Calle Escultor José Planes. Neighbours first raised the alarm when they noticed the movement, and the emergency services acted quickly.

Fire crews confirmed there was a genuine risk, and after municipal technicians assessed the structure, Mayor Tomás Rubio ordered an immediate evacuation as a precaution. Residents spent the night with relatives and friends while the area was secured.

To deal with the situation safely, two specialist cranes were brought in, one from Cartagena and another from Valencia, to remove the unstable tower.

No injuries have been reported, and the focus now is on completing the operation as safely and quickly as possible so neighbours can return home. Many of them commented on how fast the emergency teams responded and were grateful that they took the situation seriously.

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