Manhunt launched in Spain as firefighter is killed on duty in hit-and-run

THE Police have launched a manhunt after a firefighter was killed in a hit-and run whilst on duty in Spain.

The tragic incident look place at approximately 1.45pm today (February 1) at kilometre 168 on the AP-68 motorway in Pradejón, a municipality in La Rioja.

The firefighter had been extinguishing a vehicle that was on fire when he was hit by a vehicle which veered off the road and struck him, causing him to be thrown into the air where he then landed in the middle of the highway. As reported by the Rescue and Civil Protection Service (CEIS) of La Rioja, the man died instantaneously as a result of the severe impact.

It is understood that the vehicle subsequently drove off, where witnesses have described it to be a Renault van. As Euro Weekly News understands, investigating officers are now trawling through CCTV footage in a bid to bring the responsible driver to justice. Anyone who has information on the fatal incident is asked to contact the police immediately.

The Government of La Rioja and the entire CEIS team have issued a statement to express their deep regrets over the death and have sent their sincere condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased firefighter, and to all personnel from the Calahorra Fire Station where he worked.