Key Highlights
- A 22-year-old young man died after a palm tree fell on his car in Torrevieja.
- The fallen tree was affected by the red palm weevil (picudo), raising concerns about its maintenance and safety measures.
- The incident has sparked criticism against local government for inadequate tree inspection practices.
- Local authorities plan to review the current maintenance protocols and potentially introduce new inspection methods.
Torrevieja Tragedy: A Young Life Cut Short by a Falling Palm Tree
In an unfortunate accident that has shaken the community of Torrevieja, a 22-year-old young man lost his life after being struck by a palm tree that fell on his car. The incident occurred in the early evening of October 31st, 2025, along the CV-905 road.
Surviving Testimony
Julia García Moreno, a 43-year-old woman from San Bartolomé (Orihuela), narrowly escaped the same fate. As she was driving in parallel with the car that ended up under the palm tree, she recounted feeling an ominous presence as the tree began to sway slightly. She described it as “a mere whisper of a breeze” but felt compelled to take evasive action.
“I didn’t know why, but I thought the tree would break and fall on me,” she said in her interview with local news. “I eased off the gas pedal and moved my vehicle towards the roadside.” At that moment, a black car passed by, and moments later, the tree collapsed onto Julia’s vehicle.
Impact of the Incident
The accident left a profound impact on both the community and local authorities. The 22-year-old victim, Martín Pérez Aniorte, was a recent orphan who had been living with his younger sister after losing both parents to illness in a short period. He was also an active member of Torrevieja’s Semana Santa Cofradía as a costalero and stood out for his academic achievements.
Witnessing the fatal accident, Julia reflected on her own close call: “The sight of that poor young man under the tree left me with a deep sense of helplessness. The thought of what could have happened to my own son keeps haunting me.” Her words highlight the tragic and irreversible consequences of such incidents.
Local Government Response
The incident has prompted a thorough review of local maintenance practices for palm trees along roadsides. Eduardo Dolón, the mayor of Torrevieja, acknowledged that while the tree was treated against the red palm weevil (picudo) annually, more stringent inspection methods may be necessary.
According to official data, there are 5,526 palm trees in Torrevieja’s inventory. Most of these are the Phoenix washingtonia robusta species, with only a few cases reported of picudo infestations despite the pest’s presence since 2008.
The current maintenance contract covers annual pruning but does not specifically address internal tree health checks.
To prevent such tragedies in the future, the city council has decided to conduct an urgent inspection of all municipal palm trees. This review aims to identify any potentially hazardous trees and ensure public safety by addressing the root causes of tree failures.
Community Reaction
The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media platforms regarding the management of roadside vegetation in Torrevieja. Local residents are calling for more rigorous inspection protocols and better maintenance practices to prevent similar accidents from happening again.
“It is unacceptable that we allow such risky situations to persist,” stated one community member. “We need to prioritize public safety over aesthetics.” The call for change has gained momentum, with many expressing their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.
Conclusion
The tragic accident in Torrevieja serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough and effective maintenance practices for roadside trees. As local authorities move forward to address the issue, it is crucial that they prioritize public safety and implement measures to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring again.
Julia García Moreno’s testimony has brought renewed attention to the need for vigilant tree inspection procedures, not only in Torrevieja but potentially across other municipalities facing similar challenges. The community remains united in its resolve to ensure that every precaution is taken to protect residents and visitors alike.
