The first accident occurred at the N-644 in Santurtzi. When the Alsasua tanker driver was heading to Port of Santurtzi, he loses control of the gasoline loaded vehicle and crashes against the safety barrier. The blow causes the truck cabin to burn and the operator dies.

According to the Department of Security, the accident occurred at around 08:50 hours in the Mamariga tunnel area associated with port facilities. The Ertzaintza begins an investigation to clarify the details of the accident.

The second accident is reported to occur at 19:24 hours. The Ertzaintza reports that the man has been hit by the door of a company from the industrial estate of Ugarte. The firemen and an ambulance come in, but they haven't been able to do anything.

The first of the year

Santurtzi and Trapagaran were the first occupational deaths in 2024. According to the LAB union, last year 58 workers died in the Basque Country, that is, one worker died on average every six days.

Faced with the first casualties, LAB denounces that the “harsh” conditions of the transport sector have become a labour risk: “Working conditions in the transport sector are very precarious: long days, stress, pressure, low price for transport, difficulties for a healthy life and food, etc.” Indicates that to avoid these accidents a “political will” is necessary: “Precariousness must be eliminated. We must put an end to the impunity of employers. Institutions cannot continue to look elsewhere, but they will be complicit in what has happened and what will happen.”

ELA also denounces the accident in Santurtzi: “Accidents at work suffered by carriers are in most cases recorded as traffic accidents, avoiding the occupational risks suffered by these workers.”