The A-31 highway, often described by locals as the infamous route nicknamed the “road from hell,” faced a fresh disruption as kilometer queues formed while traffic moved through the Hell realm of Central Vinalopó. The cause was a new traffic accident near the area, reported around one o’clock on a Wednesday morning. A trailer had overturned and subsequently caught fire, creating a dramatic scene at kilometer 213. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported in the incident, though the disruption was severe for hours to come. [Attribution: Regional Traffic Authority]
The crash occurred on an incline in the municipality of Novelda, in the Madrid–Alicante direction. Nearby, a marble firm is noted in local commentary, underscoring the regional character of the area and the potential for commercial vehicles to be involved in road incidents. [Attribution: Local Municipality Records]
In response to the fire, firefighters from the Vinalopó Operational Zone were deployed along with several patrols from Parque de Elda. Fire crews worked to extinguish the flames in the truck, while Traffic Civil Guards coordinated the scene and an ambulance stood by, ready to assist if needed. [Attribution: Regional Fire Service]
As dawn approached, around seven in the morning, two large crane trucks arrived to lift the immobilized trailer and help clear the roadway. Highway maintenance teams moved quickly to remove scattered superstructure components from the area, restoring the flow of traffic as the site was secured and the overthrown vehicle was removed. [Attribution: Highway Maintenance Coordination]
Queue lengths persisted from early morning through the day, stretching across the affected stretch of the A-31. Local drivers reported extensive delays, with patience wearing thin as commuters faced lengthy waits to pass the crash site. [Attribution: Local Traffic Reports]
To reduce congestion and avoid the backup, authorities suggested alternative routes. Drivers were advised to detour via Elda or Petrer, then head toward Monovar before rejoining the A-31 in the Novelda direction. The guidance aimed to minimize the number of vehicles on the closed or restricted lanes while crews worked to clear debris and repair the road surface. [Attribution: Traffic Advisory Office]
Throughout the incident, responders emphasized safety and coordination among agencies. The priority was to secure the scene, manage traffic, and return the highway to normal service as swiftly as possible without compromising public safety. The incident also highlighted the essential role of heavy lifting equipment and rapid deployment of local emergency services in managing large-scale highway incidents. [Attribution: Emergency Services Briefing]
Analysts note that while traffic patterns can be severely disrupted by a single accident on a major corridor like the A-31, prompt communication and clear detour instructions can help limit secondary congestion. Commuters are reminded to monitor official traffic channels for real-time updates and to plan ahead when traveling through this corridor at peak times or during adverse weather conditions. The goal remains to restore normal travel conditions quickly while ensuring the safety of all road users. [Attribution: Traffic Safety Council]