A car struck a 68-year-old woman at a marked pedestrian crossing in Hellín, Albacete, and she later died. The incident took place shortly after 9 p.m. on Tuesday on Melchor de Macanaz street, information from emergency services. She was taken to hospital in critical condition, but hospital staff later confirmed her death.
The driver tested positive for drugs during a subsequent police check. The Guardia Civil has launched an investigation to clarify the circumstances of the collision. The fatality is the area's second deadly road incident in a short period. It has raised concerns about pedestrian safety and driver conduct in the region.
Local authorities have released no further details about the driver's identity or the substances detected. The case remains open as investigators gather evidence and review traffic camera footage from the scene. The incident has drawn attention to road safety in Spanish towns, particularly at pedestrian crossings, where vulnerable road users are at risk.
Similar incidents elsewhere in Spain have highlighted the dangers pedestrians face. In a recent case in Puçol, a local woman died, prompting a Guardia Civil investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death on the town’s beach. More details are available in this report on a fatality under investigation in Puçol.
According to official data, Spain has made progress in reducing road fatalities over the past decade, but pedestrians and cyclists remain at higher risk. The Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) continues to promote awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of traffic laws, especially those concerning driving under the influence. In Albacete province, local authorities have called for greater vigilance at pedestrian crossings and are reviewing measures to improve safety in urban areas. The outcome of the investigation in Hellín may influence future decisions on road safety enforcement and urban planning.
