Car ploughs into diners on Costa del Sol

A serious traffic incident occurred on the morning of August 1, in Torre de Benagalbón, a coastal area of Rincón de la Victoria (Málaga), when a car mounted the pavement and crashed into the terrace of a café, injuring four people.

The accident happened at around 9:40 a.m. on Avenida de la Axarquía, according to 112 Andalucía emergency services. Numerous calls indicated that the vehicle had gone off the road into a row of tables and chairs with customers seated. Three customers and the driver of the car were also injured. A 61-year old woman, a 38-year-old male, and 35-year man are among the victims. The woman and the 48-year-old man sustained moderate to serious injuries and were taken to the Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, while the younger man suffered only minor injuries and was discharged later. The driver was also treated.

Emergency services responded quickly, including units from the Guardia Civil, Policía Local, firefighters, and the 061 health emergency team. Fire crews were on the scene to secure it, while medical teams stabilized the injured and transferred them to hospitals. Initial police investigations indicate that the driver accelerated by mistake instead of braking. This caused the car to leave its lane. The vehicle is said to have hit one or more parked vehicles before crashing onto the terrace. The driver failed a breathalyzer test for alcohol and toxicology tests are still pending. Authorities continue their investigation into the exact cause. Early indications are that the collision is accidental, and has nothing to do with reckless driving or any external factors.

The incident caused shock among locals and tourists, as Torre de Benagalbón is a popular residential and holiday area on the Costa del Sol, known for its quiet atmosphere. Officials report that there are no life-threatening injuries. However, one victim could require orthopedic surgery.