Julia García Moreno, a 43-year-old resident of San Bartolomé, faced a harrowing experience on Friday when a palm tree fell on a car, resulting in the death of 22-year-old Martín Pérez Aniorte in Torrevieja. This tragic incident occurred around 5 PM on the CV-905 as she drove home from the Habaneras shopping center.
Witness to the Incident
García was traveling in the right lane when she noticed a palm tree leaning towards the road. Concerned, she instinctively slowed down and moved slightly towards the shoulder. Moments later, the palm tree, affected by a plague, broke and collapsed onto the roadway. It narrowly missed her vehicle, with García recalling that she could have been directly impacted had she been in the left lane.
After the accident, García immediately called emergency services at 5:06 PM, urging the arrival of firefighters and medical personnel. Other motorists joined her in attempting to assist the stricken driver trapped beneath the fallen tree. They discovered it was Pérez, the sole occupant of the vehicle.
Witnesses reported that the palm tree had been hollow and decayed from the red palm weevil infestation, a fact which García strongly emphasized. She refuted claims that the incident was caused by strong winds, stating, “There was only a slight breeze,” and insisted that proper maintenance might have prevented this tragic accident. “This tragedy could have been avoided,” she stressed.
Investigation and Response
Authorities have started investigating the circumstances surrounding this fatal accident. Both the Torrevieja City Council and the Provincial Fire Consortium stated that moderate winds may have contributed to the palm tree’s fall, though critics point to neglect in maintaining the palms along the highway.
The City Council confirmed that it is responsible for the maintenance of highway landscaping, even though the CV-905 is under regional jurisdiction. A preliminary analysis of the fallen tree revealed significant infestation by the red palm weevil, particularly at a height where visual signs of illness were absent.
Future Measures
In response to the accident, Torrevieja’s Mayor, Eduardo Dolón, mentioned that the city conducts annual treatments for these palm trees but will now pursue additional internal inspections to better assess their health. As part of new contracts, the city has invested €113 million over the next 15 years for the maintenance of municipal green areas, which will include thorough inspections of over 5,500 palm trees.
The community’s response has been fierce, with many expressing outrage towards municipal management of palm trees. The City Council has been urged to take immediate action to prevent further tragedies, ensuring the safety of drivers and pedestrians alike.
About the Victim
Martín Pérez Aniorte had recently suffered the loss of both parents and was living with his younger sister and uncle at the time of the tragedy. A member of the local brotherhood associated with the Semana Santa festivities, he was remembered fondly by peers and the community. His untimely death highlights the urgent need for enhanced public safety measures and the upkeep of roadside landscaping, which could prevent such future incidents.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by improperly maintained urban vegetation and reinforces the need for proactive measures to ensure public safety on the roads.
