Tragic Pedestrian Mortality on Avenida Benito Vigo Sparks Safety Debates in A Estrada
A resident of Estrada in Pontevedra province died yesterday afternoon after being struck by a truck while crossing at a pedestrian refuge along Avenida Benito Vigo. The incident occurred shortly after 17:00 at the gate beside the Estrada town hall. The victim was identified as José Luis Penín García, 85, who was crossing the N-640 toward Serafín Pazo street when a vehicle carrying animals collided with him. Eyewitnesses indicated that the driver, a minor traveling toward Pontevedra, failed to notice the pedestrian in the crosswalk, causing a forceful impact that sent the elderly man a considerable distance. [Citation: Local witnesses and emergency teams]
Local Police units arrived on the scene, followed by the 061 emergency medical service. Despite their prompt response, medical teams were unable to revive him. At one point there was consideration to deploy the Santiago-based medical helicopter, but authorities determined it would not alter the outcome after dispatching the aircraft. In addition to the Local Police and medical staff, GES responders from A Estrada, coordinated through 112 Galicia, were involved in the response. [Citation: Emergency services coordination]
Penín was a well-known figure in the community, often seen in municipal gardens feeding pigeons. He also maintained a farm with animals at the base of Serafín Pazo street, and it appeared he may have been on his way to feed them when the accident occurred. The event has shocked many residents who had grown accustomed to seeing him in daily life around town. [Citation: Local residents]
This tragedy has renewed concern about a stretch of the N-640 near several pedestrian crossings where accidents are not uncommon. Reports have pointed to multiple crossings in the area, including the crosswalk in front of the Eirín Pharmacy and locations near Mimela Patisserie and Elfos children’s room, as sites of prior incidents and near misses. The recurrence of such events has intensified calls for improved safety measures at these crossings. [Citation: Local safety records]
Residents and opposition party representatives have repeatedly urged authorities to implement enhanced safety features beyond basic crosswalks. Proposals mentioned include additional traffic lanes with harsher separation, improved lighting signals, raised speed bumps, and traffic lights at critical intersections. Although these calls have been voiced over time, concrete control measures at several pedestrian crossings remain absent, leaving communities to cope with ongoing risks in daily commutes. [Citation: Local council statements]