A British tourist has died after falling down a communal stairwell at a hostel in Tarragona. The Mossos d’Esquadra have opened an investigation to establish the circumstances of the incident.
The man, believed to have been around 40, was found shortly before 1am on Sunday after falling from a height equivalent to the third floor of the building on Carrer de la Unió.
According to information reported by Diari, the tourist and a British friend had returned to the hostel shortly after midnight. The friend lives in Barcelona, and the pair had travelled to Tarragona for the weekend.
Initial accounts suggest the victim may have lost his balance while going up the stairs, but this has not been officially confirmed. There has also been speculation that the men had been drinking. Authorities have not confirmed whether alcohol was involved or whether it contributed to the fall.
Emergency services were called after hostel staff saw the seriousness of the man’s injuries. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate him, but he died at the scene. A doctor who lives in the building was among the first to help.
Hostel staff and management were said to be shocked by the incident. The case has been referred to the Mossos d’Esquadra, who are investigating what happened.
The hostel has operated in Tarragona for nearly 12 years and says it has welcomed more than 2,500 guests from around the world.
