AT LEAST five people have died and 15 left seriously injured after a coach crashed into a viaduct in what has been described as one of the worst road traffic accidents this century.
The ALSA coach was covering the route from Cudillero to Gijón via Avilés, where the tragedy happened, across the northern region of Asturias.
Given how the vehicle appeared to drift to one side and then another before veering straight into the bridge without braking, it is thought the driver may have fainted or become otherwise indisposed at the wheel.
ALSA said he had been with the company for over seven years in the same role and had passed his most recent medical test.
He is currently in a critical condition in Asturias Central University Hospital (HUCA) in Oviedo and has reportedly 'lost a limb'.
The crash, at 13.40 on the AI-81, happened in a speed-restricted zone due to roadworks, and the coach was reportedly travelling at between 80 and 90 kilometres per hour (50-56mph) at the time.
Three passengers were killed outright, another died en route to hospital and a fifth perished shortly after admission.
They are said to be three men and two women.
All passengers were aged between 40 and early 60s, according to ALSA's ticket records.
The coach had passed its most recent ITV, or compulsory roadworthiness test required by all vehicles in Spain, and all subsequent technical inspections and services.
High-ranking politicians have sent their condolences to the bereaved and the wounded, and the Asturias regional government set up a crisis room and free-phone helpline at around 16.00.
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