Earlier this Friday, an elderly man passed away after suffering a sudden illness while driving in the new north access roundabout to Alcoy. City authorities confirmed the incident, describing the medical event as likely instantaneous and delivering a shock to witnesses and responders alike.
Local police, citing information from municipal sources, stated that the driver pressed the accelerator while already unconscious, causing a collision with several road elements and traffic signs at the roundabout, which had only recently opened a couple of weeks prior. The Safety Councillor, Raül Llopis, rushed to the scene accompanied by Local Police officers, Judicial Police personnel, and medical professionals.
The vehicle ultimately crashed into the wall of a nearby building. Firefighters arrived on site, but they were unable to save the man, despite thirty minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A provincial command unit, a heavy urban pump, and a rescue vehicle were dispatched by the Provincial Rescue Consortium, bringing a sargeant, a corporal, and six firefighters from the Cocentaina station, located roughly one kilometer away from the incident site.
The mayor, Toni Francés, expressed his sorrow over the death and extended condolences to the deceased’s family. He also commended the swift response of the police and medical teams who attended the roundabout where the tragedy occurred and emphasized the importance of quick and coordinated action in public safety scenarios (Alcoy City Council statement).
The incident has prompted authorities to review traffic calming measures and safety protocols around the new roundabout. While the investigation continues to determine the precise cause of the medical episode and the sequence of events, officials reiterated that the roundabout remains open to traffic and that trained responders are available to assist in emergencies (Public Safety Office update).
Residents and workers in the area have been reminded to exercise caution when approaching newly constructed traffic junctions. Local authorities have pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available and to support ongoing safety improvements based on findings from this incident (Alcoy City Council, press briefing).