Three pedestrians lost their lives and another person was injured when a bus failed to brake and smashed into the side of a shopping mall in Cádiz this afternoon, according to police sources.
The crash happened around 15:45 when the bus, with brake failure, traveled in the wrong direction while crossing the La Constitución 1812 bridge and collided with the side of El Corte Inglés on Las Cortes Boulevard.
Three pedestrians were killed and one more was injured and transported to Puerta del Mar Hospital in the capital of Cádiz.
UCA sources indicated the bus carried thirty students from the University of Cádiz School of Nursing, based in Jerez de la Frontera, who were en route to the Faculty of Medicine in Cádiz for an internship.
According to UCA sources none of the students aboard the bus were harmed.
National Police, Civil Guard, Municipal Police and emergency services attended the scene.
BREAKING NEWS | The bus passed over multiple people, resulting in three deaths and one injury. Cadiz update
audio and more information here ⤵️https://t.co/Q7ATuD6bsh
— Emergencies 112 (@E112Andalucia) October 9, 2023
In response to the incident, Juanma Moreno, chair of the Board of Directors, expressed that he was extremely careful and overwhelmed by the unfortunate accident in Cádiz. He noted that initial data were shocking and stated that the authorities were reviewing the situation as emergency services acted promptly.
A further post on social media from Moreno said that a bus had run over many people, causing multiple fatalities and injuries, while confirming that emergency services were actively caring for those affected.
#7TV #LAST MINUTE (Sensitive images) A bus crashed into several palm trees on Avenida de las Cortes, resulting in numerous casualties. https://t.co/FHRqNeFjE7 pic.twitter.com/HuFiIzDMN2
— 7 TV Cadiz (@7TVCadiz) October 9, 2023
Moreno added in his social post that data were being monitored and that emergency teams were providing care. He emphasized close oversight of the developing information and the actions taken by emergency services.
Political reactions
Antonio Sanz, adviser to the Presidency, Internal Affairs, Social Dialogue and Administrative Simplification for the Andalusian Junta, conveyed support and thanks to the emergency personnel during these difficult moments, saying he was shocked and deeply concerned by the serious accident in Cádiz. He wished a speedy recovery for the injured and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
PSOE-A general secretary Juan Espadas expressed shock at the Cádiz crash and its grave consequences, offering sincere condolences to the victims’ families and relatives and wishes for a quick recovery for the injured.
Manuel Gavira, spokesman for the Vox group in the Andalusian Parliament, described the incident as terrible news and offered deepest condolences to the families and friends of those affected in Cádiz. He also shared a personal note about the tragedy in his city.
Cádiz MP José Ignacio García, speaker of the Joint Group-Adelante Andalusia in the regional Parliament, wrote on social media that he was shocked by the Cádiz accident and was closely watching ongoing events. He urged all support for health and emergency services and sent heartfelt wishes to the families of the victims, reaffirming solidarity with the people of Cádiz.