A blaze erupted from the trailer tires of a large truck, grinding traffic to a halt on the AP-7 highway near Daya Nueva, in the direction toward Torrevieja. The incident disrupted a busy corridor that normally carries a steady stream of travelers, shoppers, and commuters, especially on sunny weekends when the Vega Baja region sees higher road volumes. Emergency services were promptly alerted as the smoke began to plume across the lanes, creating a hazardous environment for nearby motorists and first responders alike.
The event unfolded around midday, with officials counting on quick action to determine the cause and to restore order on the road. As the fire took hold, the heavy truck blocked two of the four travel lanes toward Torrevieja, forcing drivers to slow and reroute through alternate routes. Fire crews were dispatched from nearby stations to manage the blaze, coordinate traffic safety, and prevent the flames from spreading to adjacent vehicles. The scene drew attention from local police and road safety officers who worked to secure the area while operations continued.
Marble
The truck, which was transporting a load of marble slabs, caught fire while traveling along this stretch of the AP-7. Reports indicate the driver managed to keep the vehicle on the roadway long enough to steer clear of the most critical sections, a move that potentially limited collateral damage and allowed safe egress for the driver and any nearby passengers. Local authorities confirmed the vehicle’s cargo played a role in the intensity of the blaze as heat and embers radiated outward, complicating suppression efforts. This information has been compiled from statements by the Provincial Firefighters Consortium and on-scene observers who noted the marble cargo’s characteristics during the incident.
The flames produced thick, grey-black smoke that rose above the highway, with heat waves visible to motorists from a distance. Although the driver attempted to extinguish the fire with a handheld extinguisher, the intensity overwhelmed those efforts, and the emergency response teams had to intervene. Within a short window, three fire units and six firefighters from nearby stations, including those serving Istanbul, Orihuela, and Crevillent parks, arrived to support suppression and rescue operations. The coordinated intervention took place around 13:00, after which Firefighters Consortium crews began to gain control of the blaze and begin securing the area for a safe traffic recovery process.
This portion of the AP-7 near Torrevieja and Crevillent records significant daily traffic, with estimates showing more than 25,000 vehicles crossing this stretch of Vega Baja on an average day. Local authorities emphasized the importance of efficient incident management to minimize disruption for travelers, residents, and businesses that rely on this corridor for supply chains and commuting. The incident highlight underscores how critical rapid response and organized traffic management are to maintaining mobility and safety on major highways.