The Civil Guard teams dispatched from Madrid moved to Galicia for on site analysis on Wednesday morning after a bus crash near Pedre, in the municipality of Cerdedo-Cotobade, that took seven lives. In the afternoon, investigators visited the Monbus depot in Pontevedra to retrieve the vehicle remains and complete a detailed reconstruction of the accident. Testimonies from survivors are anticipated to be collected later this week, possibly on Thursday or Friday.
Work on the N-541 highway segment where the tragedy occurred was paused around 13:30, four hours after operations began. Roberto Prado of the Pontevedra Civil Guard provided the update.
To determine why the bus left the road, members of the Traffic Accident Repair Team ERAT positioned their equipment at a bend on the N-541 near the Pedre viaduct and opened this stretch of national road to traffic while the investigation proceeded.
Investigators employed a laser scanner to produce a three dimensional model of the area, conducting tests to assess the asphalt adhesion. The Civil Guard drone unit from Asturias also conducted aerial surveys to collect data that would support a precise 3D reproduction of the viaduct.
Roberto Prado explained that the aim was to recreate the accident scenario in full, including the use of a vehicle with similar characteristics to the damaged one and testing under conditions similar to those on the night of December 24 in Cerdedo-Cotobade.
A bag of water was observed near Serrapio junction at the approach to the viaduct the following morning. Industry sources indicated a consensus among drivers that water on the asphalt, combined with drivers overspeed and the day’s heavy rain and wind, likely contributed to the crash.
Local authorities, including the mayor of Cerdedo-Cotobade, Jorge Cubela, noted drainage problems and gear that fails to drain properly in this area, especially during heavy rainfall. Earlier discussions referenced past public works aimed at improving drainage and road conditions four years ago.
Further information reported by Faro de Vigo and the Prensa Ibérica group indicated that containment systems on the Padre bridge could not prevent a bus from leaving the road. Beginning in 2014, some guardrails used in new constructions were restricted, but older structures remained legal; however, these barriers had recently been upgraded in the area and newer, more secure guardrails such as H2 or H3 levels are now common on modern roads, designed to withstand impact more effectively.
Funeral details for Lalín
The accident occurred on Christmas Eve around 9:20 pm when a Monbus bus en route from Lugo to Vigo plunged into the river at kilometer 67.5 of the N-541 in Pedre, Lalín, a bridge approximately 30 meters tall. Two people were rescued that same night amid severe weather conditions, while four others were found the following day and a seventh person died on Monday. Only the driver and one passenger survived.
According to the Diocese of Lugo, the funeral for the victims would be held in Lalín’s parish church at 7:00 pm the next day, one hour earlier than previously announced, with Bishop Alfonso Carrasco Rouco presiding.
Calls for change on the N-541
Jorge Cubela stressed that the tragedy on the N-541 should prompt improvements along the route. He urged officials not to rush to judgment but highlighted the need for road improvements and better maintenance. He emphasized that pressure from multiple mayors across different political groups could push for lasting changes, noting persistent rainfall and heavy traffic as ongoing challenges for the corridor.