November 2023

Grim television

RTVE has apologised after the body of a missing man was shown during a live TV news report on October 16.  The 18-year-old, Álvaro Prieto from Córdoba, was reported missing four days earlier and his remains were spotted between two carriages on tracks at the Santa Justa station in Sevilla.  A post-mortem found the victim was electrocuted while on the roof of the train on the day he disappeared.

Fire tragedy

Thirteen people died in a fire at a venue in Murcia, which was later found to have no operating licence.  The blaze broke out early on October 1 in three nightclubs situated together in Las Atalayas and was attended by at least 40 firefighters.  The tragedy has prompted the authorities in Málaga to reinforce police inspections of fire and safety licences in entertainment venues.

Briton detained

A 43-year-old British man will appear in court in Magaluf in February accused of assaulting his son’s female friend.  Last month, his lawyers failed to reach a plea bargain deal with prosecutors following the incident in May, since when the suspect has been held in custody.  He was arrested at Palma airport after allegedly trying to flee the country.

Rock result

Fabian Picardo’s administration won a slim majority in Gibraltar’s general election on October 12, giving the GSLP Liberal Alliance its fourth term in office.  The group won nine of the 17 seats with just under half the votes cast.  The outcome has set the backdrop for the Rock’s next stage of negotiations with Spain, the UK and the EU.

Davis cup

The next round of the 2023 Davis Cup takes place at Málaga’s Martín Carpena stadium from November 21 to 26.  Canada play Finland on the opening day, followed by Czech Republic v Australia,  Netherlands v Italy and Great Britain v Serbia on subsequent days.  Semi Finals will be played on November 24 and 25, with the Final on Sunday 26 November.

Renfe sponsor

Spain’s Copa del Rey will be known as the Renfe Spanish Cup following a sponsorship deal between the Royal Football Federation and the national rail operator.  Renfe will also supply the Official Train for fans of the eight teams competing for the March 2024 trophy in Cartagena.  Renfe described the agreement as promoting rail as, “a sustainable, environmentally friendly means of transport.”