Family of French tourists in Javea, including two small children, hospitalised after being hit by drink driver
The father and two young children were seriously injured in the incident, which has left holidaymakers in the Marina Alta town in shock
A French family on holiday in Javea (Xàbia) on the Costa Blanca was seriously injured on Thursday afternoon, July 17, after being hit by a car while crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing in the popular Arenal beach area. The incident occurred at around 3.30pm on Avinguda de la Llibertat.
The vehicle struck two children, aged 2 and 5, as well as their father, as they crossed the street on their way back from the beach.
All three sustained serious injuries and were immobilised at the scene by emergency responders from the Local Police, Guardia Civil, Red Cross and a Basic Life Support unit.
According to the Emergency Information and Coordination Centre (CICU), the two-year-old suffered a cranioencephalic trauma. The victims were later transferred to Dénia Hospital.
The same driver had reportedly hit two other pedestrians, including another minor, at a nearby pedestrian crossing moments earlier. One of those victims sustained a leg injury and contusions.
Eyewitnesses described the scenes as chaotic, with many bystanders rushing to help and expressing visible relief when the children were heard crying after the impact.
The vehicle was finally brought to a stop when it collided with a signpost on the pavement. Police officers carried out alcohol and drug tests on the driver, who tested positive for alcohol and was immediately arrested.
Authorities say the road where the incident took place has a strict 30kmh speed limit. Witnesses reported that the family had been calmly using the pedestrian crossing when the car hit them without warning, leaving them no chance to react.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and among the many holidaymakers who witnessed it. The investigation is ongoing.
On the same afternoon, a 47-year-old British man was taken to Dénia Hospital with a serious injury to his leg after being gored by a bull at the fiestas in Pedreguer.
Image: Policia Local Xàbia
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