A horrific car crash on Thursday evening turned a happy seaside promenade scene into one of devastation when a car traveling at high speed crashed into the terrace of Pizzería Don Santiago on Fuengirola’s Paseo Marítimo, opposite Carvajal Beach. The incident, which happened at 9:35 PM on April 17, 2025, left two people dead and several injured, including three in critical condition.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos when the car, traveling well above the speed limit, roared along the promenade. One passerby said she heard the vehicle ‘burning rubber’ before it veered off a curve, struck a lamppost, and ploughed into the pizzeria’s terrace. The impact demolished several tables where diners were seated, with the car then rebounding onto the road and colliding with an oncoming vehicle.
Local authorities confirmed that one of the deceased was a pedestrian, a 25-year-old man from Seville, who was caught between the colliding cars. The other victim was the 47-year-old co-pilot of the vehicle, which was described as a mangled mess, giving an idea of the force of the collision.
Emergency services received multiple calls alerting them to the urgent need for assistance after the car lost control due to excessive speed. The vehicle first collided with a lamppost, then ran over the terrace of the pizzeria, and finally struck another car. The aftermath revealed shattered tables, broken glass, and a lost wheel from the wrecked vehicle, which remained on the road past midnight.
In total, the accident resulted in ten injuries, with three men aged 50, 50, and 42 evacuated to the hospital in serious condition. Seven other people were also injured, including the driver of the car and a baby. The driver, a 45-year-old Iranian woman, was arrested at the scene. According to municipal sources, she was under the influence of alcohol and did not possess a valid driver’s license.
Following the crash, the local police initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the driver was speeding and lost control of the vehicle, leading to the tragic outcome. The sturdy columns surrounding the terrace reportedly helped prevent an even greater tragedy by partially absorbing the car’s force.
The driver has been charged with two counts of manslaughter due to gross negligence, injuries due to gross negligence, and a crime against road safety. As the investigation continues, local authorities expressed their condolences for the victims and their families, wishing a swift recovery to those injured.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing issues of road safety and the dangers posed by reckless driving. The local community is left in shock as they come to terms with the loss of life and the injuries sustained in what should have been a peaceful evening on the promenade.
In the wake of the accident, local officials are emphasizing the importance of adhering to speed limits and driving responsibly, particularly in busy areas frequented by pedestrians. As the investigation unfolds, the community is rallying together to support the victims and their families during this difficult time.
As the sun sets over Fuengirola, the memories of a joyful evening have been overshadowed by the events of that fateful night. The promenade, usually bustling with life, now serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the need for vigilance on the roads.
