Tragic loss struck a roadside maintenance crew along the AP-7 near Sagunto when a minibus collided with workers who were clearly visible with safety signs. Authorities say the vehicle’s driver was under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and has been arrested on charges that include gross negligence and murder. A passenger in the minibus was also found to be impaired at the time of the incident.
The two workers who died were a 25-year-old man and a 47-year-old man. The crew had placed visible warning signals along the highway to alert passing traffic, and a third colleague survived by protecting a nearby van from the impact, enabling it to pass unharmed. Despite rapid medical response, the two injured workers could not be saved, and lifesaving attempts were unable to reverse the outcome.
The crash occurred around 22:40 yesterday at the 473rd kilometer marker of the AP-7, near Sagunto. The minibus involved had picked up two of the three road workers who were actively cleaning the roadway when the collision happened.
Emergency crews from SAMU and Basic Life Support units arrived at the scene, but the two workers were pronounced dead shortly after. Relatives expressed distress, and medical professionals provided emotional and psychological support to those affected. The co-pilot and other occupants of the minibus were evaluated by medical teams, with the co-pilot transported to Sagunto Hospital for further assessment and care.
Officials from the Civil Guard and traffic units conducted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the serious crash. A drug and alcohol test administered to the driver confirmed impairment. Both the driver and a passenger in the minibus are 34 years old and identified as Spanish nationals, according to official statements from authorities.
In the aftermath, investigators highlighted the essential importance of strict adherence to road safety protocols when work crews operate on high-speed corridors. The incident underscores the hazards faced by maintenance workers and reinforces the need for sober driving by all motorists sharing busy arterial routes like the AP-7. The investigation continues to reconstruct the full sequence of events, seeking additional insights from witness accounts and physical evidence at the scene. Public safety agencies reaffirm their commitment to preventing similar tragedies through stronger enforcement, improved communication with road crews, and ongoing collaboration with transport authorities to implement enhanced safety measures for highway workers. (Source: Civil Guard, traffic units, and emergency services.)