The Bedia Town Council is set to provide compensation exceeding 60,000 euros to a councillor who was involved in a serious accident during an official event in 2022. The councillor suffered extensive burns and remained hospitalized in the ICU for 33 days, following an explosion that occurred while lighting the Saint John's bonfire in 2022, amidst the town's patron saint festivities.

The incident took place four years ago and caused a profound impact in Bedia, which was celebrating a well-attended Saint John's night when the event occurred. The councillor approached a pile of wood, prepared by the Council for burning, with a lit torch. During the official lighting, a type of explosion took place. The fireball engulfed the political representative, causing injuries to various parts of his body, including his hands and legs.

After receiving assistance, the individual was transported by ambulance first to Galdakao hospital and, subsequently, due to the severity of his condition, to the Major Burns Unit at Cruces hospital. He remained hospitalized until August 1st and underwent several surgeries. Doctors utilized a grafting technique to attempt to repair the wounds. During the long month spent at Cruces, the councillor also experienced several infections. The councillor was on sick leave for one year and four months, returning to work in November 2023. Currently, he continues to serve as an elected official in Bedia.

The causes of the incident have not been fully determined. A recent legal report prepared by legal advisors to the Basque Government points to negligence. The lawyers, who recommend that the Town Council compensate the injured councillor, state that the reviewed documentation includes a medical report mentioning the use of “an accelerant: gasoline” to douse the bonfire and facilitate its ignition.

For all these reasons, independent lawyers believe that the Council acted with insufficient diligence and is now obliged to bear all healthcare costs and damages suffered by the councillor. They conclude that there is “patrimonial responsibility.” The mayor states that they accept this report and have already informed the municipal insurance company to cover the compensation, which the Basque Government's lawyers set at 61,500 euros. The mayor affirms that additional security measures have been implemented since 2022. “Now, for example, the person who proceeds with the lighting wears fire-retardant clothing.”