Two people have died and three others have been seriously injured in a multiple accident on the AP-7 in Estepona. A tanker truck transporting flammable material plunged from a bridge, causing a large fire that forced the closure of the motorway in both directions.
A tragic multiple accident on the AP-7 in Estepona (Málaga) has resulted in the deaths of at least two people and left three others seriously injured. The incident, which occurred on Monday afternoon, generated a large-scale fire that has forced the closure of traffic in both directions of the motorway, emergency sources have confirmed.
A tanker truck plunges from a bridge
The incident occurred at kilometre point 1069 of the motorway. According to initial investigations, a car was broken down on the shoulder and was being assisted by a tow truck and a taxi when a truck travelling on the road failed to notice the stopped vehicles in time.
In attempting to perform an evasive manoeuvre, the truck collided side-on with the broken-down car, the tow truck, and the taxi, and partially plunged from a bridge. The taxi was the vehicle that suffered the most severe impact, according to consulted sources.
The truck was carrying flammable material, which caused the impact to result in a dramatic fire that affected several vehicles. Emergency services managed to extinguish the flames and are currently working on recovering the bodies of the deceased victims.
Two dead and three seriously injured
Of the two deceased, one was travelling in the truck, according to operational sources. The second victim was among those on the shoulder at the time of the accident, although their identity has not been specified. The incident has also left three people seriously injured, who have been transferred to nearby hospitals.
The broken-down vehicle had been stationary on the shoulder for some time, where it was being attended to by a tow truck. Both the car and the tow truck were dragged by the fall of the truck, according to consulted sources.
Complete closure of the AP-7 and activation of Infoca
The Traffic Management Centre has explained that the magnitude of the fire has forced the closure of traffic in both directions of the AP-7 as it passes through Benahavís. Due to the risk of the fire spreading to nearby vegetation, a Plan Infoca device has been activated, mobilising a light helicopter, another medium helicopter, a fire engine, and 26 ground personnel.
The extinguishing efforts have concluded, and emergency services continue to work on recovering the bodies and attending to the injured. The closure of the motorway in both directions remains in effect, so drivers are advised to seek alternative routes.
“We are working to restore traffic as soon as possible, but the priority now is to assist the victims and secure the area,” traffic sources have stated.
For residents of the Costa del Sol, this accident represents a serious setback on one of the busiest roads in the province. The closure is expected to last several hours, affecting the connection between Marbella and Estepona. Drivers will need to divert via the national road N-340 or the A-7 motorway.
The incident recalls other serious accidents that have occurred on the AP-7 in recent years, although the fall of a truck from a bridge and the subsequent fire make it one of the most tragic. Authorities are investigating the causes of the incident, while the official identification of the victims is awaited.
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