No Criminal Activity Found in Ordino Luxury Building Blaze

Police and fire investigators in Andorra's Ordino parish have pinpointed a possible electrical panel as the origin of the fire that gutted much of the luxury residential complex at La Querola, while ruling out any criminal activity.

Preliminary findings from the multidisciplinary team—comprising scientific police, firefighters, and Industry department technicians—emerged after their initial inspection of the fire-ravaged interiors on Thursday. The group documented damage, gathered samples, and traced the flames' path following overnight cooling that permitted earlier access. No signs of arson appeared, aligning with early external checks using drones after the Tuesday blaze.

The fire severely damaged five of the seven blocks, leaving the site structurally compromised in places, with ongoing creaking from cooling materials noted as recently as Saturday. Investigators anticipate further visits, alongside likely specialist assessments from insurers, as liability questions loom among constructors, the yet-to-form owners' association, and others. The electrical firm that installed systems there had also worked on Arinsal's water bottling plant, though no responsibility has been assigned.

Promoters maintain damage was less severe than initially feared, but the site—designed by Jean Nouvel and partly financed by Andbank—remains sealed behind a security perimeter. Workers had finished final touches the day before the fire to secure habitability certification. Some buyers prepared to occupy units soon, with apartments in the two least-affected buildings already furnished. Those retrieving possessions from spared flats, including vehicles and furniture, face uncertain timelines for re-entry. Concerns persist over property values and living next to the charred ruins, now drawing crowds amid good weekend weather and turning the area into an unintended tourist spot for locals and outsiders.

Neighbours recall the flames' rapid spread through connected galleries and 17 elevator shafts acting as chimneys, with the ventilated slate facade aiding propagation despite holding up well. Firefighters prevented spread to nearby woods, though some brush burned minimally. Water supply limits emerged, with residents losing pressure around 3am as crews relied on water tenders.

Juanjo Barrio, fire service head, highlighted how wooden elements fueled the blaze despite treatments. No injuries were reported. Analysis continues to confirm the exact cause, with judicial steps and expert input expected soon.