Anxiety and smoke in the most real 'simulator' at the gas station: "Suddenly, we were told to run and walk down 26 floors"

A fire broke out in the 25th floor of the Moeve Tower in Madrid on June 23, 2026, prompting the evacuation of the entire skyscraper. The incident began around mid-afternoon when electrical equipment in the technical area triggered flames and thick smoke. Employees inside the building were initially uncertain whether this was another drill, as they had participated in numerous simulations over the years. However, the sudden appearance of smoke and visible flames quickly dispelled any doubts about the authenticity of the emergency.

The Moeve Tower, standing 248 meters tall, is located north of the Paseo de la Castellana and has long been known as the former Cepsa Tower, or the Gasoline Tower. It currently serves as the headquarters for the energy company Moeve, which is owned by Amancio Ortega. Other tenants include Amazon and the law firm Pérez-Llorca. The fire originated in a technical zone between floors 23 and 24, where electrical devices and machinery essential to the tower's operation were housed. According to emergency services, the cause of the fire was electrical in nature.

Employees who were present during the incident described the chaos that ensued. One worker, identified as Juan, was on the seventh floor when the emergency started. He did not see the fire but received immediate updates from colleagues working higher up. “I have coworkers on the 19th floor who simply smelled strong smoke, and two minutes after that, the alarm went off,” he said. Despite initial confusion, occupants remained calm and completed the evacuation within approximately 20 minutes. People descended the stairs in an orderly manner, one floor at a time, without incidents or injuries.

Enrique Rodríguez, a worker based on the 31st floor, confirmed that there was no explosion heard from inside the building, contrary to reports from some nearby residents. He and others evacuated down to the ground level, navigating more than 30 floors on foot. Emergency protocols ensured that regular elevators were disabled during the evacuation, leaving only those designated for individuals with mobility issues and emergency personnel operational. Rodríguez noted that all procedures functioned correctly, allowing them to descend safely in just 18 minutes.

During the evacuation, three individuals were confined in a shelter on the 27th floor. Firefighters maintained communication with these individuals via telephone and monitored their condition using security cameras until they could reach the location and evacuate them. All three were eventually removed from the building and were reported to be safe.

Emergency medical services attended to two workers suffering from mild smoke inhalation and a passerby who experienced an anxiety attack. None required hospitalization. The fire was extinguished by 6:35 PM, although emergency teams continued to monitor the situation for several hours afterward.

The incident highlights the importance of regular drills and preparedness among the building’s occupants. Workers emphasized that their familiarity with emergency procedures played a crucial role in maintaining order and ensuring a swift response. The Moeve Tower remains a significant landmark in Madrid, housing multiple companies and serving as a symbol of modern infrastructure. The fire has raised questions about safety measures and the potential risks associated with high-rise buildings, especially those housing critical operations and large numbers of employees.

As investigations continue into the exact cause of the fire and the effectiveness of the building’s safety systems, officials are likely to review current protocols and consider any necessary upgrades. The incident will also prompt discussions about the adequacy of emergency planning in similar structures across the city. For now, the focus remains on the well-being of those affected and the thorough assessment of the damage caused by the blaze.