tragic Accident in Pilar de la Horadada⁣ Leads to Fatal Fire

In a devastating incident on Friday morning, May 9, 2025, a truck transporting flammable materials ⁣was involved in a⁣ fatal collision in the Pilar de la Horadada tunnel. The truck driver lost his life ⁤when his vehicle collided with a car, causing‍ a tire blowout that led to the truck overturning and afterward igniting. This horrifying ⁣event resulted in a violent⁤ fire accompanied by several explosions, sending a towering column of black smoke into⁤ the sky ‍visible from miles away.### Emergency Response Actions

At about 10:00 AM, eleven drivers traveling on ‌the AP-7 ​towards San Pedro del pinatar noticed the fire and quickly alerted the ‌Alicante Emergency Coordination​ center (Centro de Coordinación de Emergencias 112). Fire and medical teams rushed to ​the scene, confirming the⁣ death of the truck driver. The emergency ⁤response involved:

– Three command units
-‌ Two heavy urban fire engines
– Three heavy water tenders
– A rescue van
– A ⁢total of 21 personnel from the Torrevieja,Almoradí,Orihuela,and Elche fire departments

According to‌ emergency services,the combination of the truck’s hazardous cargo ⁢and the ​confined space of ​the tunnel dramatically increased the severity ⁣of the fire,creating an⁤ immense amount of flames and smoke.

### Impact on Traffic

The unfortunate accident caused significant delays on the AP-7 highway, disrupting traffic flow in both directions. Vehicles were ⁤halted heading towards San Pedro del Pinatar due to the fire, while ​smoke and debris forced⁣ closure of lanes towards Alicante.

### Lucky Escape for Other Motorist

Amid this tragic scenario, it is indeed noteworthy that another truck, which ‍was also inside the tunnel at the ‌time ​of the accident, managed to‌ escape without ⁢any injuries. The driver⁣ of this truck was⁣ able to exit the tunnel safely.

The blaze was finally brought ‌under control‍ and extinguished by 11:57​ AM, allowing for​ emergency crews to manage the aftermath of ⁢the ⁣incident and restore some order to the heavily ‌congested highway.

### Conclusion

This incident highlights the potential dangers associated with transporting ​hazardous materials,⁢ especially in ​confined spaces.⁢ Emergency responders demonstrated remarkable efficiency in addressing the situation under distressing ⁣circumstances,and the local community continues‌ to express condolences to the family ​and friends affected by this tragic loss.For further details, visit the original article from [La Verdad](https://www.laverdad.es/orihuela-torrevieja/incendio-camion-tunel-pilar-horadada-moviliza-emergencias-20250509105135-nt.html).