Seven people were injured on Monday evening when a car drove onto the terrace of a bar in the Andalusian town of Frigiliana, near Málaga. The incident, which occurred around 19:30 local time, left two children among the wounded, according to the Andalusian 112 emergency service.
Local media report that the children, aged 5 and 14, were among those struck as the vehicle ploughed into customers seated on the bar's outdoor terrace. The coordination centre dispatched staff from the Emergency Health Centre, local police, and the fire brigade, though firefighters ultimately did not need to intervene.
Injuries and Investigation
Initially, medical personnel reported three injured, but the number later rose to seven. In addition to the two children, three women aged 45, 48, and 79, and two men aged 44 and 77 were hurt. Their current conditions have not been disclosed.
Investigators are now trying to determine whether the woman driving the car suffered a medical problem while at the wheel. The incident has shocked the small town, known for its whitewashed houses and narrow streets, popular with tourists and locals alike.
This is not the first time a vehicle has caused harm in a public space in Europe. In recent years, similar accidents have raised questions about pedestrian safety and the vulnerability of outdoor seating areas. While the cause in Frigiliana appears accidental, the event underscores the need for robust safety measures in busy town centres.
The broader context of children's safety in Europe has also been highlighted by other incidents, such as the tragic case of two young children dying in a car during a heatwave in southern France, and ongoing concerns about European lawsuits accusing social media giants of harming children. These events, though different in nature, collectively point to the importance of protecting the most vulnerable.
Local authorities have not released further details about the driver's identity or the exact sequence of events. The investigation continues, with police likely to review CCTV footage and speak to witnesses.
Frigiliana, a picturesque village in the province of Málaga, is part of the network of European towns that rely on tourism and local hospitality. The incident serves as a reminder that even in tranquil settings, accidents can occur, and emergency services must remain vigilant.
