Tragic Road Accident in Murcia Claims Lives of Two British Men

On the evening of Saturday, November 17, 2024, a devastating road accident occurred on the RM-12 dual carriageway near the La Manga resort in the Murcia region of Spain, resulting in the deaths of two British men and leaving several others injured.

The Incident

The accident happened around 9:30 PM when a trailer carrying an inflatable speedboat, suspected to be involved in drug trafficking, became detached from the vehicle towing it. The speedboat, described as a semi-rigid 'narco lancha,' came to rest across both lanes of the dual carriageway. A car traveling behind the trailer, containing three British men, collided with the boat. The impact was severe, causing one of the cars involved to overturn and another to suffer significant damage, including a caved-in roof.

Victims and Injuries

The two British men who lost their lives were aged 49 and 57. A third British man, aged 54, who was driving the car, was critically injured in the crash. In addition to these, eight other people in six vehicles that followed were also injured, though their injuries were described as minor.

Investigation and Aftermath

The driver of the vehicle towing the trailer fled the scene, prompting a police manhunt by the Spanish Civil Guard. The authorities suspect that the boat was intended for use in criminal activities such as drug trafficking due to its characteristics and the circumstances of the incident.

The accident led to the closure of the motorway for approximately three hours as emergency services, including firefighters, worked to free the bodies of the deceased from the wreckage and attend to the injured. The most seriously injured were taken to local hospitals, with the 54-year-old man being treated for critical injuries.

Response from Authorities

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed that they are supporting the families of the British nationals involved in the incident and are in contact with local authorities to assist in the investigation.

This tragic event highlights the dangers posed by criminal activities on public roads and the importance of vigilant law enforcement to prevent such incidents. The investigation is ongoing, with police analyzing cameras and gathering evidence to identify the fleeing driver and uncover the full extent of the suspected criminal activity.