Investigation Continues Into Pedestrian-Bus Incident in Cerdedo-Cotobade
The authorities emphasized that no conclusions had been reached yet, and they underscored the need for a thorough inquiry by the Civil Guards. Jorge Cubela, the mayor of Cerdedo-Cotobade, stated that officials would provide a fuller picture once the investigation concludes. All official sources consulted about the causes of the tragedy that occurred yesterday while the bus was traveling through the Pedre neighborhood in the municipality of Cerdedo-Cotobade on Christmas Eve offered cautious statements. However, individuals close to the inquiry revealed the initial lines of inquiry.
From the evidence gathered so far, investigators believe the bus may have rolled onto the road after the roof sustained significant damage, particularly toward the rear, and there were shards of glass and debris on the right-hand side as the passengers disembarked. Once it exited the road, the vehicle apparently somersaulted and plunged toward the river. Some observers noted that it seemed as if the occupants were trying to brace for impact as the bus hit the ground.
At this stage, the focus is on identifying the factors that caused the initial rollover on a relatively straight stretch. Two prominent possibilities are being considered. One is a slight loss of control by the driver as the vehicle exited the bend before the straight segment, potentially linked to the road conditions created by weather on Saturday night. The other concerns the section where runoff water interacts with the regional road feeding into the national highway, an area prone to danger when construction activity introduces aquaplaning risks.
Additionally, it is important to note that the N-541 has faced sustained criticism from local authorities over the years due to maintenance shortcomings and hazardous zones along its course through Cerdedo-Cotobade. The local councilor acknowledged the issues he had been highlighting, though he did not address that specific point in yesterday’s updates. He stated that the road is as it stands and that improvement efforts have been requested for a long time, but said the moment had not yet arrived to name those responsible. The case remains under active review by municipal and regional officials, who are coordinating with the judicial authorities to determine responsibility and prevent any recurrence.
The investigation has also drawn attention to broader road-safety concerns in the area, including weather-related risks and the impact of ongoing infrastructure work on traffic flow. Local responders and engineers are assessing whether additional signage, speed controls, or temporary road adjustments could mitigate dangers in similar conditions in the future. The aim is to learn from this incident and implement practical safeguards for passengers, pedestrians, and road users alike. This ongoing process will be guided by a comprehensive review of vehicle condition, road surface integrity, and the interaction of environmental factors with the route network.
Opening cases
Court authorities in Pontevedra have already opened formal proceedings in connection with the incident. According to sources familiar with the matter, charges may include manslaughter and reckless wounding as part of the preliminary inquiry. The judicial process will continue to unfold as investigators gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and assess the vehicle’s maintenance records and the road’s state at the time of the crash. The ongoing legal proceedings seek to establish accountability and ensure that safety measures are reviewed and strengthened where necessary. [Attribution: local judicial authorities]