A neighbor alerted authorities after approaching the victim, who was next to a parking entrance, to offer him a cup of broth. The Sistema d’Emergències Mèdiques (SEM) received the alert at 2:03 PM and dispatched two ambulances to the scene, at number 148 of Torras i Bages street, where paramedics confirmed the death. The Mossos d’Esquadra ruled out a violent death, and a forensic examination will determine the exact causes.
The death comes amid strong criticism of Mayor Xavier García Albiol's handling of homeless accommodation, particularly following the eviction of the former B9 institute. The Acull Badalona association indicated that, according to initial information, the victim was not part of the group of 400 people evicted from B9, about 40 of whom are currently struggling under the C-31 bridge.
“"The first night nothing was prepared in the pavilion, it is a shame, and furthermore, people in need do not know that this emergency shelter has now been set up; they should be notified."
These events occurred shortly after the Badalona City Council opened the La Colina pavilion to shelter homeless citizens, but initially without beds, mattresses, or blankets. On the first night, Sunday, nobody attended the space. The following night, after the Red Cross had organized an emergency shelter inside, only three people stayed.
Separately, the Barcelona City Council announced the activation of the Cold Operation in alert phase, anticipating temperatures near 0 degrees Celsius. In Barcelona, the device provides 200 places and mobilizes professionals to contact the approximately 2,000 people sleeping rough in the Catalan capital, according to data from the Arrels foundation from last December.
