Five Navarra police officers killed in collision with tanker lorry in Gipuzkoa

The crash occurred at around 9.15am on the AP-8 at kilometre 69, close to the Maltzaga junction linking the motorway with the AP-1, while both vehicles were travelling in the direction of Bilbao.

The five victims were the only occupants of the van and were members of the Central Intervention Brigade and the Special Intervention Group of the Navarra police. They were travelling to a base of the Basque Country’s regional police force (the Ertzaintza) in Iurreta, to take part in a training exercise, according to sources from the regional government of Navarra.

The exact cause of the collision remains under investigation by the Ertzaintza. However, local reports indicate that the police van veered off the road at the Maltzaga interchange, struck the central reservation and came to rest sideways across the carriageway.

According to Spanish media, an approaching tanker lorry was unable to avoid the stranded vehicle.

The impact dragged the van several metres, causing catastrophic damage. Emergency services initially attempted to resuscitate one of the occupants, but medical personnel deployed to the scene later certified that all five officers had died from injuries sustained in the crash.

The driver of the tanker suffered minor injuries and was airlifted by helicopter to Alto Deba Hospital for treatment.

A major emergency response was launched, involving Ertzaintza officers, two mobile intensive care ambulances, medical teams and firefighters from Azpeitia and Eibar. Four fire service vehicles were deployed to assist with rescue operations and recovery efforts.

The collision caused severe disruption on one of the Basque Country’s busiest motorways. The tanker came to rest on the central reservation, blocking several lanes and forcing the closure of the AP-8 in both directions.

Traffic was diverted via the AP-1, resulting in lengthy delays. A lane heading towards Donostia-San Sebastián was later reopened, but the motorway towards Bilbao remained closed from the Maltzaga junction. According to Bidegi, Gipuzkoa’s infrastructure agency, recovery operations are expected to continue until later in the evening before the lorry can be safely removed.

Authorities have expressed shock at the tragedy.

The Government of Navarra said it was experiencing ‘profound pain and dismay’ following the deaths of the five officers and announced that a formal tribute would be held in their honour.

Navarra regional president María Chivite also paid tribute to the officers in a message posted on  X.

‘I am devastated by the terrible accident in which five members of the Navarra Regional Police have lost their lives. My deepest sympathy goes to their families and colleagues for the loss of these public servants. The Government of Navarra and I stand with you during this painful time,’ she wrote.

King Felipe VI sent the following message:  ‘We are devastated by the tragic accident in which five agents of the Foral Police of Navarre have lost their lives. Our heartfelt remembrance and condolences to the families of the victims and to their colleagues. After speaking with the president of Navarre, we wish to convey our solidarity to the entire Navarrese society in the face of this tragedy.’

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez posted the following message on X: ‘My deepest sorrow for the passing of five agents of the Foral Police of Navarre in the tragic accident that occurred this morning. All our support and solidarity, on behalf of the Government of Spain, to their families, colleagues, and loved ones in these moments of grief.’