Metal object falls from truck on AP-7 caused tire punctures for up to twenty vehicles near La Vila Joiosa
In broad daylight, a metallic fragment detached from a commercial vehicle traveling along a portion of the AP-7 motorway near La Vila Joiosa, setting off a chain of tire punctures that affected as many as twenty different vehicles. The incident unfolded on the stretch near the 660th kilometer marker as traffic moved in both directions, drawing immediate attention from nearby drivers and passing motorists who quickly alerted local authorities. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and none of the punctures caused a vehicle to lose control, allowing officials to gradually secure the scene and restore flow under careful supervision by on-scene responders. The event prompted a coordinated response that prioritized road safety and swift traffic management while investigators began gathering essential information from those involved and from the operator of the truck concerned.
Authorities estimated the incident occurred during a busy daytime window when the AP-7 carries a mix of passenger cars and commercial trucks. Civil Traffic officers deployed multiple patrol units after receiving reports that several vehicles had pulled onto the shoulder to inspect damage or change tires. A buffer zone was established to keep other motorists at a safe distance and to facilitate a comprehensive assessment of the roadway conditions, including the surface area affected by the debris and any lingering hazards. Local responders coordinated with highway maintenance crews to begin cleanup operations and to prepare for an orderly reopening of the affected lanes once it was safe to do so. This careful, staged approach aimed to minimize disruption while ensuring every precaution was taken to prevent a recurrence of punctures or related incidents. [Official briefing, Civil Traffic Department]
On arrival, investigators confirmed that no person sustained injuries, and they documented that one of the twenty affected vehicles had its tire punctured, while others sustained minor surface damage or required immediate tire inspection. A Civil Traffic Security patrol located a piece of metal on the roadway believed to be the source of the punctures. They also confirmed that the truck from which the fragment originated had been stopped for a preliminary review of the circumstances. Data collected from the involved drivers and the vehicle were used to determine potential responsibility and to support any insurance inquiries or claims that may arise from the event. In the aftermath, traffic management measures were enacted to reroute traffic as needed, and highway personnel continued inspections and cleanup to ensure the route remained safe for continued travel. The incident is being documented and analyzed to provide clearer guidance for preventing similar occurrences in the future, with ongoing coordination between policing authorities, transportation agencies, and the truck operator. [Investigation notes, Civil Traffic Security]