Lorraine Williamson
A bus carrying 44 passengers overturned on the A-7 motorway near Murcia on Tuesday afternoon, leaving 20 people injured. Five of the injured are in serious condition.
The vehicle was transporting retirees on a subsidised trip organised by Spain’s Institute for the Elderly and Social Services (IMSERSO), a government-run programme that provides affordable holidays for pensioners. It aims to promote social tourism and improve the well-being of older citizens. Travelling from Onteniente in the Valencian Community to Roquetas de Mar in Almería, the group’s journey was cut short by the crash.
A similar accident happened around the same time last year when a bus carrying retirees crashed in Mallorca.
Accident near Nueva Condomina stadium
The incident took place at the Cabezo de Torres exit, close to the Nueva Condomina stadium. Witnesses reported that the driver appeared to lose control suddenly. A loud bang was heard just before the bus veered across the central reservation and overturned, blocking both lanes towards Alicante.
Initial reports suggest a tyre blowout may have been the cause. Rain in the area could also have played a role.
Bystanders rush to help
Passing motorists and pedestrians acted quickly. Some used tools to break windows and assist passengers in escaping. Emergency services arrived soon after, with the Guardia Civil, local police, firefighters and Red Cross teams responding. Five ambulances, including units with advanced medical equipment, were deployed to the scene.
Treatment at the scene and hospital transfers
Among the injured were 11 women and nine men, aged between 34 and 78. The driver sustained serious arm injuries. Medical teams treated victims at the roadside before transferring them to three hospitals in Murcia: Morales Meseguer, Reina Sofía and Virgen de la Arrixaca. A field hospital was set up at a nearby petrol station for those with minor injuries.
Traffic disruption and ongoing investigation
The crash caused a four-kilometre traffic jam, forcing the motorway to close for over an hour. By 5.00 pm, normal traffic flow had resumed. The Guardia Civil has launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with mechanical failure and weather conditions among the possible factors.
Authorities are reconstructing the events leading to the crash to determine responsibility and prevent future incidents.