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Crash, bang, wallop

January 14, 2010  •  Andalucia, Malaga  •  3 Comments

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FOR years it has been one of the most dangerous blackspots in Andalucia.

But the dangerous bend on the A340 (A7) at La Cala de Mijas may have become one of the worst in Spain, after at least 15 crashes in just one week.

The Olive Press
decided to record the number of accidents that took place there over the festive period.

“The corner is so well-known to traffic police that as soon as there is heavy rain, they wait in one local cafe for a call.”

While the Guardia Civil has not yet officially confirmed the number, local journalist Mike Souter – who overlooks the bend – has witnessed 15 over a ten-day spell between December 27 and January 5.

There were two crashes within half an hour of each other on New Year’s Day morning alone.

Explained Souter: “The corner is so well-known to traffic police that as soon as there is heavy rain, they wait in one local cafe for a call.

“There are always crashes there. It is so dangerous.”

The authorities are, of course, aware of the dangers, having installed extra flashing lights and warning signs alongside the road.

Stronger crash barriers have also been erected.

The main culprit of the problem appears to be the high-speeds at which vehicles try to take the hazardous S-bend.

“On almost every occasion the offenders bounce off the barrier at the right hand carriageway, spin round and end up facing oncoming traffic in the fast lane,” explains Souter.

At the time of going to press, Guardia Civil, Mijas Town Hall and local councillors had failed to comment.

Continued Souter: “There is no obvious solution. Bar one: When you see the ‘Curva Peligrosa’ signs and flashing lights at La Cala, take note. They are there for a reason.”

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Reader Comments »

Mike Souter

January 14th, 2010 3:57 pm

Excellent story and photos. This chap is Good!

frank

January 17th, 2010 7:45 pm

why not put speed cameras there i dont care if they put 10 in a mile radius, these drivers are lunatics and should be banned, and have their cars crushed

Fred

January 17th, 2010 10:13 pm

Actually, thinking about it, why not crush the drivers whilst they are still inside the cars? That would send the right message to sloooow down Mr Spanish driver. Lol, the only time a spaniard is fast is when they are in a car.





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Crash, bang, wallop

LETHAL: One of the crashes that occurred on the bend over the festive period

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The Olive Press is the English language newspaper for Andalucia. Local news from Costa del Sol and inland Andalucia plus national news from around Spain. A campaigning, community newspaper, the Olive Press represents the huge and growing expatriate community in southern Spain - 29,000 copies printed monthly with an estimated readership, including the website, of more than 170,000 people a month.