A tragic traffic accident occurred on the morning of May 9, 2025, in the AP-7 tunnel near Pilar de la Horadada, resulting in the death of a truck driver. The incident took place at kilometer 272 towards Cartagena, when the driver lost control of the vehicle after a tire blowout, causing the truck to overturn and subsequently catch fire due to the flammable materials it was transporting.
The Provincial Consortium of Firefighters of Alicante received the emergency alert at 9:56 AM, and despite their rapid response, the driver was trapped inside the vehicle and unfortunately died at the scene. The flames and thick smoke engulfed the entire tunnel, prompting a significant firefighting operation.
Firefighters from several parks, including Torrevieja, Almoradí, Orihuela, and Elche, were dispatched to the scene. Their efforts were crucial, as they controlled the fire by 11:01 AM and fully extinguished it by 11:57 AM. The response involved three command units, two heavy urban pumps, three heavy tanker pumps, a rescue van, and a total of 21 personnel.
At the time of the accident, another truck was also present in the tunnel. Fortunately, the driver of that vehicle managed to escape unharmed, as the flames did not reach them. However, the accident caused significant traffic disruptions on the highway, with both directions blocked due to the fire and the resulting smoke.
The combination of the truck's flammable cargo and the enclosed space of the tunnel amplified the severity of the fire, producing a large column of black smoke visible from several kilometers away. Witnesses reported that eleven drivers traveling on the AP-7 towards San Pedro del Pinatar stopped their vehicles and alerted the emergency services as flames erupted from the tunnel.
This particular tunnel, measuring 800 meters in length and handling an average of 19,000 vehicles daily, is currently undergoing modernization work funded by the Ministry of Transport, with an investment of 3.5 million euros. This project includes improvements to lighting and safety systems, aimed at enhancing the tunnel's infrastructure and preventing future accidents.
Historically, the tunnel has seen its share of incidents. Although it is not classified as particularly dangerous, previous accidents have raised concerns about safety within the structure. For instance, in January 2024, a van fire led to traffic being cut off for several hours, highlighting ongoing safety issues.
In light of this latest tragedy, officials are likely to reassess safety protocols within the tunnel. The modernization efforts will include the installation of new emergency lighting, evacuation signage, and a comprehensive fire detection system to ensure better safety for drivers.
As investigations into the cause of the accident continue, the focus remains on improving safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The community of Pilar de la Horadada is mourning the loss of the truck driver, whose life was tragically cut short due to this accident.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by transporting flammable materials, especially in confined spaces like tunnels. Authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution and ensure their vehicles are in proper working condition to prevent similar tragedies.
