More than 100 residents evacuated in Cieza as 38-metre chimney threatens to collapse
Emergency crews cleared around 40 homes in Cieza after residents reported the structure swaying and engineers confirmed a real risk of collapse
More than 100 residents were asked to leave their homes in the town of Cieza on Monday night, February 16, after a 38-metre chimney tower in the town centre began swaying, raising concerns it could collapse.
The affected homes, around 40 in total, are located along Calle Escultor Salzillo and nearby streets including Avenida Gran Vía Juan Carlos I and Calle Escultor José Planes. Neighbours first raised the alarm when they noticed the movement, and the emergency services acted quickly.
Fire crews confirmed there was a genuine risk, and after municipal technicians assessed the structure, Mayor Tomás Rubio ordered an immediate evacuation as a precaution. Residents spent the night with relatives and friends while the area was secured.
To deal with the situation safely, two specialist cranes were brought in, one from Cartagena and another from Valencia, to remove the unstable tower.
No injuries have been reported, and the focus now is on completing the operation as safely and quickly as possible so neighbours can return home. Many of them commented on how fast the emergency teams responded and were grateful that they took the situation seriously.
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Image: Google Maps
Address
Calle Plaza de Espana 30530 CIEZA Tel: 968 453 500
Oficina de Turismo de Cieza
Cieza tourist office
The tourist information office of Cieza is located in the centre of the town, in the Plaza de España, opposite the Mercado de Abastos, the historical market place which is still open today and provides an attractive focal point for local daily life.
Although it is enjoyable and interesting to follow an urban route around the town and visit the Museo Siyasa, the three major historical sites which are well worth visiting in Cieza are not open to the general public on an open visit basis and a guide is required for the Cueva de Serreta, Molino de Teodoro and Medina Siyasa itself.
Visits can be arranged with an English speaking guide for groups, so contact the Tourist office directly to arrange these. An urban walking route can be followed using a map of the town which can be picked up from the Tourist Office directly.
Throughout the year there are several walking routes which can be followed in the fruit orchards, along the 
river’s edge and in the valleys of the area surrounding the town, and canoeing and rafting activities on the River Segura can also be arranged via the Tourist Office.
Cieza is particularly famous for its “floración”, the time when the peach orchards are in full blossom, and various walking routes are prepared for nature lovers or photographers to take advantage of the spectacular views on offer. Cieza is also renowned for its Fiestas: Semana Santa, Carnival, Romería de la Virgen del Buen Suceso, Auto de Los Reyes Magos, Fiestas del Escudo and Fiestas in honour of San Bartolomé, as well as the Ermita del Santo Cristo del Consuelo and Mercadillo de los Frailes.
There is parking directly in front of the Tourist Office in Cieza town centre and the urban walking route begins 
at this point. The Tourist office will also advise on local accommodation or restaurants.
For full information about Cieza in English, including what’s on and seasonal activities, click through to the Cieza section, accessed via the map box at the bottom of every page or search Cieza using the town search box at the top of every page.
Opening times: Monday to Friday 8.00 to 15.00.
Click for map, Cieza Tourist Office.
