Youth held after three die in cave-fire tragedy

The neighbourhood of Los Angeles in Almería was in mourning this week after three young people, aged 12, 14 and 21 years, died trapped by fire in a cave.

The cave, a popular place for teenagers to meet, was only three metres deep. Local residents were alerted to the unfolding tragedy when flames were seen shooting from the hillside and an explosion was heard at about 8pm on Monday evening.

Although the exact cause of the fire was still unclear this week, local speculation suggested that a sofa had been ignited at the entrance to the small cavern, preventing the victims from escaping.

Police are investigating four underage youths, and a 17-year-old man is still under arrest as possible instigator of the fire.