Fatal accident in Palma: 31-year-old dies — alleged driver fled

Head-on collision in the early hours

Shortly after midnight, around 0:45 a.m., a quiet road towards Son Banya in Palma turned into an accident scene: Two cars collided near the roundabout at the Fan shopping centre (Es Coll d'en Rabassa). An Opel Corsa suffered such severe damage that its driver died at the scene.

Witnesses said they had heard loud braking and screeching moments earlier. The streetlights flickered slightly as the emergency vehicles arrived. Ambulance crews, firefighters and the Policía Local were on site quickly but were unable to help the 31-year-old.

Flight after the collision

The other car — a VW Golf with two occupants — apparently drove on after the impact. Shortly afterwards the 27-year-old passenger was found injured in El Molinar. He had gone to a friend on Calle Llucmajor. There his wife called emergency services after he complained of severe chest pain and reportedly coughed up blood.

The injured man is currently receiving medical care; his condition during the night was described as serious but not life-threatening. Investigators believe the passenger first sought help after the crash while the alleged driver continued driving.

Identified — arrest imminent

According to police, the possible driver of the Golf has been identified. An arrest is said to be "imminent," according to the officers involved. The police initially made no specific statements about alcohol or drug influence.

Forensic teams secured debris, skid marks and the vehicles in the morning. Experts are now to determine how the vehicle ended up on the opposite lane — whether a sharp bend, excessive speed or driver error was to blame will be examined.

City responds, neighbours affected

Residents in the neighbourhood reported a loud bang and the rapid arrival of blue lights. Some stayed awake for a long time to see what had happened. A local dog owner said he felt a great emptiness: "Something like this shocks you. You know these streets, it rarely happens."

For the authorities the case is a priority: every traffic death is one too many, local spokespeople say. Witnesses are asked to contact the Policía Local. For people who happened to pass the scene at night, the image of the wrecked Corsa will remain in their minds for a long time.

Our thoughts are with the relatives. Nights like this leave both questions and anger — and the hope that the investigation will quickly shed light on what happened.