Official Statement on Emergency Shutdown in Salou
In view of the recent emergency incident affecting key infrastructure and public services in Salou, the Municipal Council, in coordination with the Catalan Civil Protection Authority, hereby issues the following statement to inform residents, visitors, and all stakeholders about the measures undertaken, the current situation, and next steps:
1. Situation Overview
Earlier today, a serious malfunction occurred in a critical utility pipeline located beneath the service corridor adjacent to the Paseo Jaime I transit hub. The failure has disrupted water supply, compromised structural safety in the immediate area, and created risk to public welfare.
As a result, local authorities determined that an emergency shutdown of related services and partial closures in the affected zone were necessary to protect lives, property, and continuity of essential operations.
Upon detection of the failure, emergency teams — including municipal engineers, fire and rescue crews, public safety officers, and utility contractors — were mobilized without delay. Their priority has been to stabilize the site, isolate damaged sections, and prevent further harm to adjacent buildings and facilities.
2. Scope of Shutdown & Restrictions
To ensure safety during repairs, the following measures have been instituted:
The bus and water‑service terminal at Paseo Jaime I is temporarily closed, with all services rerouted to Plaça de les Comunitats.
Access to the affected underground passage and surrounding sidewalks has been restricted and cordoned off.
Local vehicular traffic through adjacent streets is being diverted in coordination with traffic control authorities.
A prohibition is in place against excavation, heavy load transit, or construction activity within the caution zone.
Public services relying on the compromised pipeline, particularly supply to water mains or drainage systems, are operating under limited or suspended capacity until repairs are certified safe.
Officials emphasize that the shutdown is strictly temporary and localized. The remainder of Salou, including tourism zones, hotels, retail districts, and coastal areas unaffected by the disruption, continue operations under normal conditions, with heightened monitoring.
3. Safety and Public Guidance
No casualties or injuries have been reported to date. All personnel on site and in the vicinity have been evacuated or restricted to safe zones.
Residents and visitors are strongly advised to obey signage, barrier warnings, and direction from safety personnel.
Individuals requiring water-dependent services or who experience service interruptions should contact municipal assistance hotlines or point-of-service staff for guidance.
Use of alternative water access points (public fountains, municipal distribution stations) will be enabled where feasible.
All users of public transit are urged to check revised schedules and boarding locations via official HIFE communications and digital announcements.
4. Remediation and Repair Plan
Repair crews are working on a 24‑hour schedule to excavate, replace, and reinforce the damaged pipeline segment. The restoration plan includes:
Structural assessment of adjacent substrates.
Replacement of the failed pipe section with upgraded, pressure-rated conduit.
Pressure and leak testing, followed by phased restoration of water flow.
Reinforcement of surrounding soil and subsurface support to prevent recurrence.
Certification of structural and functional integrity by independent engineering teams.
The municipality aims to restore full functionality by July 21, contingent on inspection outcomes and weather conditions.
5. Communication & Transparency
The municipality will issue periodic updates via official channels (website, municipal social media, local media, public display boards).
A dedicated information desk has been established at a safe perimeter site for inquiries, assistance, and to support affected parties (residents, travelers, businesses).
All correspondence from impacted service providers, emergency agencies, and independent assessors is being collated for public records and audit review.
6. Appreciation & Call for Patience
We express our deepest gratitude to the responding emergency services, utility crews, resident volunteers, and public safety personnel whose rapid and coordinated efforts have been vital. We also thank the public for your patience, cooperation, and compliance with safety directives during this difficult interval.
The municipality reaffirms its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and the highest safety standards. Restoration is our urgent priority, and every resource is being marshalled toward that end.
We encourage all affected individuals, businesses, and visitors to utilize official channels for updates, to avoid unverified information from social media, and to direct urgent concerns to the emergency liaison offices.
