The incident on the M-50 highway in Leganés (Madrid) has once again highlighted the risks associated with crashes on Spain’s high-speed roads. In the evening, as traffic was especially heavy, several people suddenly found themselves in a dangerous situation. The aftermath is already being discussed among road safety experts, as cases like this could lead to tougher measures on motorways.
According to El Pais, at around 22:14 at the 56th kilometer of the M-50, a collision between cars resulted in injuries to two men, aged 32 and 44. One of them sustained minor injuries, while the other was taken to hospital for further evaluation. But the incident didn’t end there: just minutes after the crash, one of the drivers, a 51-year-old man, got out of his vehicle to assess the damage and possibly assist other victims.
A second blow
At that moment, for reasons still unknown, another car was driving down the highway, and its driver did not have time to react to the accident scene. The man ended up under the wheels of a third vehicle. Suma 112 medics arrived at the scene quickly, stabilized the victim’s condition, and took him to Puerta de Hierro Hospital with a severe traumatic brain injury. His condition is considered serious, and doctors continue to fight for his life.
Meanwhile, the other participants in the initial accident were taken to different medical facilities: one to Puerta de Hierro, the other to Alcorcón Hospital. Both received medical attention and their lives are not in danger. Firefighters were on site, clearing the road and working to prevent further incidents.
Emergency response
Civil Guard officers have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the double incident. Special attention is being paid to why the driver of the third car did not notice the person on the road. Experts note that such situations often occur due to poor visibility, speeding, or driver distraction. This tragedy could have been even worse if not for the swift action of emergency services.
As El Pais reports, similar incidents on the M-50 are not uncommon, especially in the evening when traffic increases. Drivers are reminded to exercise caution when exiting their vehicle after an accident, even if it seems that the immediate danger has passed.
Consequences and context
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in pedestrian accidents on highways, especially following initial collisions. An analysis by russpain.com shows that most of these incidents occur at night or in poor weather conditions. In 2025, Madrid already reported similar cases, where accident victims exited their vehicles and were struck by other vehicles. Experts advise staying inside the car unless absolutely necessary and always using hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Recalling recent incidents, there was an accident on the A-6 highway, where a similar situation led to several serious injuries. At that time, possible changes to highway safety rules were discussed, but no new measures have been adopted yet. Road safety remains a pressing issue nationwide, and each new incident sparks debate among experts and ordinary citizens alike.
