The early hours of today saw a severe road crash on the AP4 highway linking Seville to Cádiz, near the municipality of Los Palacios. Reports indicate that six people lost their lives and three sustained serious injuries in this incident. Investigators are focusing on the sequence that led to the collision, and emergency services worked through the night to manage the aftermath and begin the initial assessments of the scene.
The event involved an articulated heavy vehicle colliding with several other cars that were within a police checkpoint operated by the Guardia Civil. This operation was part of a routine verification device, commonly referred to as GAR, which is designed to check compliance and enforce road safety standards at major corridors. The airbags and safety systems of the affected vehicles were engaged as responders arrived to provide urgent care and secure the area.
The preliminary assessment indicates that the causes may be accidental. The truck driver, after receiving signals to stop from the Guardia Civil, reportedly executed a sharp maneuver toward the shoulder. In doing so, the truck impacted the first line of vehicles within the GAR device and subsequently struck at least two civilian vehicles that were also present inside the verification zone. The dynamics of the crash are under thorough review as investigators reconstruct the sequence to determine contributing factors and to understand how the collision unfolded.
Remarkably, the truck driver sustained no injuries. Authorities performed standard checks for impairment, including alcohol and drug testing, which returned negative results. Among the deceased and the injured, two of the victims and three of the injured were members of the GAR team, while the remaining fatalities were civilians who happened to be in the vicinity of the operation at the time of the incident.
In the wake of the collision, the ocular inspection and the execution of formal diligences are being carried out by the Traffic Subsector with the Accidents Reconstruction Team. This meticulous process includes documenting evidence, mapping vehicle positions, recording road conditions, and interviewing witnesses who observed the events leading up to the crash. The driver of the truck has been detained as part of the ongoing inquiry and will remain in custody while investigators continue their work, seeking to establish a clear account of the incident and determine any potential liability involved.
Authorities are urging drivers and travelers in the region to exercise caution and follow official guidance as the investigation proceeds. Road users should anticipate possible congestion on approaches to the site, especially during procedures to divert or reduce traffic flow, and to pay attention to temporary speed restrictions that may be imposed in the surrounding stretches. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of remaining calm and allowing responders to operate safely at the scene to prevent further harm or delays in the critical examination of evidence.
As the inquiry advances, officials will compile a comprehensive timeline of events, analyze vehicle data from the trucks involved, and review camera footage and witness statements. The aim is to deliver clear findings that can inform future safety measures and help prevent similar tragedies along this busy corridor. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available, and authorities reiterate their commitment to transparency and thoroughness in this difficult case.
The incident underscores the essential responsibility of all road users to adhere to traffic laws, respect official checkpoints, and prioritize safe driving practices in high-stress scenarios. While the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on delivering support to the families affected and ensuring a rigorous review that can yield actionable insights for ongoing road safety improvements across the region.