A tragic truck accident on the AP-7 highway near Vandellòs and l'Hospitalet de l'Infant, Tarragona, has caused extensive disruption for travelers and led to the death of one driver. The collision involved three trucks and occurred at 6:53 AM on February 7, 2025, blocking the highway until nearly 9 PM.
The accident unfolded when one truck collided with two others, resulting in one vehicle overturning and effectively shutting down the highway. The Servei Català de Trànsit confirmed the complete closure of the AP-7, prompting severe traffic congestion during the peak hours of the day.
By afternoon, traffic delays stretched as far as 16 kilometers, leading to diversions onto nearby highways. Motorists trapped for hours expressed their frustration on social media, with one user recounting, "Estamos parados en la AP-7..." lamenting the lack of information and updates during the lengthy wait.
Responses from emergency services revealed the gravity of the situation. Ramon Lamiel, director of the Servei Català de Trànsit, pointed out the difficulties faced due to the dual-lane traffic setup. He stated, "El accidente ha pasado en un lugar donde solo hay dos carriles..." insinuated the inadequacy of alternate routes to handle the volume of diverted traffic.
Rescue teams arrived shortly after the incident, including multiple units from the Bombers de la Generalitat and ambulances from the Sistema d'Emergències Mèdiques (SEM). They executed the extrication process for the trapped driver, who unfortunately succumbed to injuries sustained during the crash.
The aftermath of the collision led to considerable delays not only on the AP-7 but also on the A-7 and the N-340, which saw backups of up to 10 kilometers and 6 kilometers, respectively. Congestion was exacerbated by the need for cleanup operations, which included the removal of debris and spilled cargo.
Authorities have urged drivers to stay updated through official channels, as traffic remained highly unpredictable following the accident. Lamiel emphasized the need for improved traffic management strategies and stated, "Lo que se tiene que hacer es dar una alternativa mucho más arriba de la autopista..." reflecting concerns over current detour efficiency.
With this incident marking the fifteenth fatality on Catalonia's roads this year, concerns are rising about road safety and the need for effective preventive measures. The investigation surrounding the accident continues as officials work to ascertain the precise causes of the tragic event.
After nearly fourteen hours of closure, the AP-7 was finally reopened around 8:50 PM, allowing trapped drivers to resume their journeys. Closure of the highway posed significant frustrations for many commuters, making this incident one of the most disruptive events on the Catalan roads this year.