Tragic Weekend on Catalan Roads: Eight Fatalities in Three Days

The Carnival weekend in Catalonia has been marred by a series of devastating road accidents, resulting in eight fatalities over just three days. The latest incident occurred on Monday, March 3, when a motorcyclist was fatally run over by a truck on the C-58 highway at the entrances to Barcelona.

Monday's Fatal Accident

At around 10:30 AM on Monday, a motorcyclist fell on the C-58 highway, a critical route linking Barcelona with the Vallès Occidental region. Tragically, the motorcyclist was subsequently run over by a truck, leading to their immediate death. This accident added to the already alarming toll of road deaths over the weekend, bringing the total to eight fatalities in just three days.

Previous Accidents Over the Weekend

The weekend saw a string of tragic accidents across Catalan roads. On Sunday, a car left the asphalt and crashed into a house in Vacarisses, resulting in the death of the 39-year-old driver from Terrassa. Just five hours later, another accident occurred on the C-58 in Badia, where a vehicle collided with a broken-down car. Two young women, aged 24 and 25 from Sabadell and Rubí respectively, lost their lives in this incident. The victims were attempting to exit the vehicle when the collision occurred, highlighting the critical importance of proper signaling and caution during breakdowns.

One of the most horrific incidents took place on Saturday night on the C-25 highway in Gurb. A van traveling in the wrong direction collided with a car carrying a couple expecting a child. The couple, a 36-year-old woman from Olost and a 35-year-old man from Vic, along with their unborn child, tragically lost their lives. The van driver, who was hospitalized with serious injuries, tested positive for alcohol and is expected to be arrested upon discharge for alleged manslaughter due to negligence.

Traffic Concerns and Young Victims

The recent spate of accidents has raised significant concerns about road safety in Catalonia. According to Ramon Lamiel, the director of Traffic, speed and alcohol consumption were key factors in most of the accidents. Additionally, the age of the victims is a worrying trend, with half of the 30 fatal victims this year being under the age of 35.

Measures to Improve Road Safety

In response to these incidents, the Catalan Traffic Service is considering several measures to enhance road safety. These include improving signage on high-risk roads like the C-58 and increasing speed controls. The city of Barcelona, known for its innovative urban mobility strategies, such as the superblock concept and Low Emission Zones, is also looking to implement tougher traffic sanctions to curb the rising number of fatalities.

The tragic events of the Carnival weekend serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and stringent safety measures on Catalan roads. As the region mourns the loss of young lives, authorities are determined to take decisive action to prevent such tragedies in the future.