The incident in Badajoz once again raises concerns about safety on roads that cross water barriers. Sudden rises in river levels and the absence of warning signs in such areas can lead to tragic consequences. For residents of Spain, this serves as a reminder to exercise caution when driving on poorly equipped crossings, especially during periods of rain and flooding.
Details of the incident
On Wednesday, around one in the afternoon, on the EX-115 road near the town of Campanario, a car driven by a 69-year-old woman was swept away by a strong current. According to ElPais, the incident occurred where the road crosses the Zújar riverbed via a low water bridge. At that time, the water level in the river was much higher than usual.
Preliminary reports suggest the car veered off the road and ended up in the water. The woman, who was alone in the vehicle, managed to get out, but the current was too strong. The stream carried her several meters from where the car stopped. Rescuers found her outside the vehicle in critical condition.
Emergency services response
Medics from the Extremadura Health Service, local emergency center staff, firefighters from Don Benito, representatives of the Civil Guard, as well as specialists from the Red Cross and the Guadiana water authority arrived at the scene. Despite prompt response and resuscitation efforts, the woman could not be saved — her death was confirmed on site.
Investigators are considering several possible scenarios. The main theory is loss of control on a slippery road, resulting in the vehicle entering the river. However, final conclusions will be made after the examination is complete and autopsy results are obtained. According to sources, hypothermia or shock from sudden exposure to cold water may have contributed to the woman’s death.
Dangerous road sections
The site of the accident is a typical low-water crossing, which often becomes hazardous when water levels rise. Risks increase at such spots during heavy rains or snowmelt, when the current strengthens and the road surface becomes slippery. In Spain, these sections are common in rural areas and require drivers to exercise particular caution.
Regional authorities have repeatedly faced the need to upgrade such crossings, but not all of them are equipped with modern warning systems or barriers. According to ElPais, in recent years Extremadura has seen cases where cars ended up in the water due to a sudden rise in river levels.
Consequences and context
The tragedy in Campanario is not an isolated incident. Accidents on similar road sections periodically occur in different regions of the country, especially during the rainy season. In 2024, incidents related to rivers overflowing their banks and road flooding were already registered in Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha. In most cases, adverse weather conditions and insufficient driver awareness of the risks were the main causes.
Experts point out that preventing such tragedies requires not only technical measures but also raising public awareness. Timely information about potential dangers and restricting traffic in areas threatened by flooding are crucial. In recent years, Spain has been discussing the introduction of automatic water level control systems on roads that cross rivers and streams.
Recalling recent incidents, it is worth noting that in 2025 there were also cases in Galicia and the Valencian Community where cars became trapped due to a sudden rise in water levels. On those occasions, casualties were avoided thanks to the rapid response of rescuers and the presence of warning signs. However, the tragedy in Badajoz once again highlighted that the problem remains relevant and requires a comprehensive approach.
