An incident on one of Madrid’s busy highways has once again raised concerns about pedestrian safety in the capital. In the evening, on avenida de los Arcentales in the San Blas district, a 60-year-old man was struck by a taxi. The accident happened right next to a pedestrian crossing, sparking a strong reaction from city residents and social media users.
The victim was in extremely serious condition: he was diagnosed with cardiac arrest and a severe traumatic brain injury. A passerby was the first to assist at the scene, immediately starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation before medics arrived. Thanks to these actions, the man’s life was temporarily saved, but his condition remained critical even after specialists intervened.
Services’ response
Emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes of the call. Samur-ProtecciΓ³n Civil medics confirmed the severity of the injuries and decided on immediate transport to La Paz hospital. Police blocked off part of the avenue to give the ambulance a clear route. The patient was escorted to the hospital by a police convoy, underscoring the seriousness of the situation and the high level of mobilization by city services.
Madrid police immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident. Particular attention is being paid to such details as the exact location of the pedestrian at the moment of the collision, whether the taxi driver obeyed traffic rules, and whether there were any technical malfunctions with the vehicle. The taxi driver remained at the scene and received psychological support from specialists, which has become standard practice in such cases.
Safety issues
This incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of pedestrian crossings in major Spanish cities. Many residents of San Blas note that Avenida de los Arcentales is known for frequent speeding and inattentive drivers. On social media, people are debating whether the crossings are well enough lit and how effective the traffic violation cameras are.
Road safety experts emphasize that such incidents can happen at any time, especially in the evening when visibility decreases. They advise pedestrians to remain highly alert even at designated crossings, and urge drivers to reduce speed near residential areas and maintain a safe distance.
Impact on the city
The incident on Avenida de los Arcentales has sparked discussions about possible changes to traffic organization in Madrid. City authorities are considering options such as additional lighting at crosswalks, installing new signs, and tightening speed control measures. Meanwhile, many residents are demanding tougher action against offenders and an increase in patrols in high-traffic areas.
While the victim fights for his life at La Paz hospital, public attention is riveted on the investigation and the potential impact on city infrastructure. It is possible that this case will become a starting point for new initiatives to improve road safety in the capital.
