A serious incident at one of Madrid’s busiest intersections has reignited concerns about pedestrian safety in the capital. On the evening of March 15, an EMT bus struck an 81-year-old woman at a signalized crosswalk on Avenida Felipe II, in the Salamanca district. The incident has alarmed city residents, as similar accidents can affect anyone who uses public transportation and city streets daily.
According to El Pais, the accident occurred around 6:00 p.m., when the woman was crossing the street at a pedestrian crossing with the traffic light in operation. At that moment, a city bus failed to stop for reasons still unknown and hit her. The victim suffered a severe head injury and serious damage to her foot. SAMUR-Protección Civil responded quickly, providing first aid and stabilizing her condition at the scene.
Emergency response
After providing emergency medical care, the injured woman was taken in critical condition to Gregorio Marañón Hospital. Doctors noted that her injuries were so severe that immediate hospitalization was necessary. Madrid police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash to determine why the bus driver did not stop at the crosswalk with the traffic signal.
The bus driver was interviewed at the scene, and the vehicle has been sent for technical inspection. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and questioning witnesses to reconstruct the full picture of what happened. Special attention is being given to the operation of the traffic light and visibility in the area where the incident occurred.
Safety concerns
This incident has once again raised the issue of pedestrian crossing safety in Madrid. Despite the presence of traffic lights and road markings, accidents involving public transport occur regularly. City authorities have previously discussed the need for additional measures to protect pedestrians, including better lighting and more warning signs.
As El Pais notes, such incidents have raised concerns among residents of the capital, especially the elderly, who are most often the victims of these accidents. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation of all the circumstances and are considering tightening control over public transport movement near crossings.
Recent incidents
In recent months, Madrid has seen similar incidents involving buses and pedestrians. In January of this year, on Alcalá Street, a bus also struck an elderly man who was crossing at a green light. The investigation at the time revealed visibility issues caused by parked cars. Last year, a comparable incident occurred in the Chamberí district, after which safety measures were strengthened at several crossings throughout the city. These events highlight the need for a systematic approach and ongoing attention from city authorities.
