Heatwave Tragedy: Investigating a Sweeper's Sudden Death in Barcelona

Amidst a searing heatwave engulfing Spain, the sudden death of a street sweeper in Barcelona has sparked an investigation by local authorities. The woman, known as Montserrat, passed away after working in the old town on Saturday afternoon, with temperatures reaching a high of 30.4 degrees Celsius.

Montserrat's sister reported that she had expressed fears of dying shortly before her demise. The intense heatwave grappling the region is suspected of playing a crucial role in her untimely death. Extreme heat poses significant risks, particularly to older individuals, and can lead to fatal heat strokes or exacerbate existing health conditions.

The incident has heightened awareness among the public and officials alike about the dangers of the current heatwave, which is expected to persist until Tuesday. The Spanish Health Ministry indicated over 2,000 heat-attributable deaths last year, underscoring the persistent threat posed by rising temperatures.

(With inputs from agencies.)