A tragedy has shaken the community of Muíños, located in the province of Ourense. A head-on collision between two cars on the OU-1205 highway claimed the life of a 51-year-old woman. Her husband, who arrived at the scene after receiving the news, collapsed and died at the site, unable to cope with the shock. The driver of the second car, found to be intoxicated, was detained but later released under judicial supervision.
The accident occurred during the day, when a Citroen Saxo and an Opel Combo collided on a stretch of road between Porqueirós and Porqueirós. Preliminary reports indicate that the Opel Combo driver crossed into the oncoming lane, causing the crash. As a result, the Citroen Saxo veered off the road and its female passenger died at the scene. Another passenger suffered minor injuries and was able to call emergency services himself.
Incident details
Emergency services, including medical teams and rescue workers, arrived immediately after the crash. Specialists were needed to free those trapped in the wrecked vehicles. The driver of the Opel Combo, a 40-year-old resident of Calvos de Randín, was taken to hospital with minor injuries. There, he underwent tests for alcohol and drugs, which showed blood alcohol levels of 0.64 and 0.58 mg/l — above the legal limit.
After receiving medical attention, the man was arrested on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter and driving under the influence. However, the very next day, the court imposed a non-custodial measure: his driver’s license was confiscated, but he was released on the condition that he appear when summoned.
The death of the victim’s husband
The tragedy was compounded for the victim’s family by another heartbreaking loss. Upon learning what had happened, her husband rushed to the scene of the accident. There, in front of rescuers and police officers, he felt ill and collapsed. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he could not be revived—he died right there on the roadside.
According to eyewitnesses, the tragedy stunned not only the relatives but also everyone involved in the rescue operation. The municipality of Muíños has declared a period of mourning, and local residents are expressing their condolences to the victims’ family.
Investigation and aftermath
An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is underway. Traffic police are working to determine why the driver of the Opel Combo veered into the oncoming lane. It has been confirmed that he was driving under the influence of alcohol, which is considered an aggravating factor. In the near future, he will have to give testimony in court regarding the woman’s death and the subsequent passing of her husband.
The investigation is also looking into whether the driver had any prior traffic violations or had been held accountable for similar incidents in the past. For now, he is prohibited from driving, and his further fate will be determined in court.
Public reaction
The incident has sparked widespread public outcry in Galicia. Local residents are discussing the tragedy, expressing outrage that the person responsible for the accident remains free. Social media is filled with calls for tougher penalties for drunk driving and stricter road safety controls.
Regional authorities have promised a thorough investigation into all the circumstances of the incident and to take measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. In Muíños and neighboring municipalities, road patrols have been intensified and additional road safety campaigns have been organized.
