A tragic traffic collision on Valencia Street claimed two lives on a Saturday afternoon
Early Saturday afternoon, around 14:30, a fatal incident unfolded on Valencia Street when a vehicle traveled in the opposite direction and struck pedestrians. Two Honduran nationals were severely injured. A 31-year-old man died at the crash site, and a 30-year-old woman succumbed to her injuries later at Xativa Hospital Lluís Alcanyis after receiving resuscitation from medical teams. The two victims left behind a four-month-old infant who now faces life without their parents.
Initial reports from Upgrade-EMV and a Prensa Ibérica outlet suggest the collision followed a heated argument that escalated, leading the driver to deliberately target those nearby. Authorities identified the driver as Antonio Manuel G., aged 48, who reportedly purchased an Opel vehicle prior to the incident with the stated intent to harm individuals involved in the dispute. Several travelers in the vicinity, including a group of about 12 people, were uninjured. Investigations indicate the deceased had no known ties to drugs or alcohol, and the driver was arrested after testing negative for both substances.
Eyewitness accounts describe the vehicle dragging the couple roughly 50 meters after impact. The scene showed no tire skid marks, and witnesses noted the car appeared to be moving at a speed around 80 km/h on a 30 km/h stretch before crashing beneath a bridge near the end of Valencia Street.
Local agencies including the Civil Guard, police from the Channels area, doctors from the nearby health center, SAMU, and municipal officers from l’Alcúdia de Crespins responded to the scene to provide emergency care and secure the area. The coordinated effort helped manage the immediate aftermath and begin the process of aiding those affected by the tragedy.
In response to the event, the city council of Channels announced three days of official mourning with flags lowered to half-mast starting the following day. The mayor expressed sorrow over the loss, emphasizing the impact on the two neighbors who had recently moved to the town from Honduras. He pledged support for the families and outlined plans to coordinate with municipal services to ensure they receive all necessary assistance during a difficult period.
The mayor added that the municipality would continue to assist the bereaved families, ensure proper grieving arrangements, and coordinate with relevant authorities to provide comprehensive help during the ongoing investigation. The community is urged to rely on official updates as investigations proceed and to respect the privacy of those affected during this challenging time. [citation]