A serious traffic collision occurred on the AS-II highway near Oviedo after a minibus traveling from Gijón crossed into the opposite lane and struck a car traveling in the direction of Oviedo. The incident happened in the early hours of the morning, just after 1:30, creating a scene of chaos on a route that links two major Asturian cities. The impact involved multiple vehicles and resulted in fatalities, underscoring the dangers that can arise from late-night driving and comprehension of road sharing rules on busy highways.
One of the two people confirmed dead was a 39-year-old man, while the other was a 50-year-old woman. Emergency responders arrived at the scene promptly, but life could not be saved for both victims. The minibus involved in the initial collision was a Dacia Dokker, which had entered the AS-II Highway via the Cantábrico Junction from the Gijón direction, with the intended route toward Oviedo. Investigators are looking into whether speed, driver awareness, or other factors contributed to the sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
Shortly after the first contact between the minibus and the other vehicle, there was another collision involving a Toyota Auris. The minibus reportedly did not stop after the initial impact, which complicated the situation and increased the risk for other road users. Moments later, a head-on collision occurred with a Ford Fiesta, amplifying the damage and the seriousness of the incident. In the resulting wreckage, both drivers sustained fatal injuries, and both vehicles suffered extensive damage. All occupants in the involved vehicles were wearing seat belts at the time, a detail that will be considered in the official investigations as authorities determine contributing factors and the sequence of actions that led to the crashes.
The Civil Guard has taken charge of the investigation, focusing on reconstructing the timeline of events and evaluating road conditions, traffic patterns, and the actions of the drivers in the moments leading up to the collisions. Traffic diversions and road closures were put in place to secure the scene, safeguard other motorists, and facilitate a thorough examination by analysts and collision investigators. Autopsies are planned to clarify the medical conditions and circumstances surrounding the fatalities, along with analysis of vehicle data, witness statements, and any available surveillance materials. The aim is to provide a clear explanation of how the accident unfolded and to identify any preventive measures that could reduce the risk of similar incidents on this corridor in the future.
Officials remind drivers that highways like the AS-II require heightened attention, especially during off-peak hours when fatigue or distraction can play a larger role. Road safety experts emphasize the importance of maintaining safe speeds, keeping a safe following distance, and complying with all signals and lane markings. While accidents on busy routes can be unpredictable, adherence to traffic laws and cautious driving practices remain essential for protecting travelers and reducing the likelihood of life-threatening crashes on major thoroughfares.