A man has died after being run over by a beach cleaning vehicle while he was asleep on a beach in Tarragona, Spain, authorities have confirmed.
The incident took place at L’Arrabassada Beach, where the victim was reportedly sleeping on the sand under a blanket when the vehicle struck him at around 6am.
Emergency responders treated the man at the scene before he was taken to Joan XXIII Hospital in a conscious condition.
Although doctors initially believed his injuries were not life-threatening, his condition deteriorated throughout the day. He died the following day, according to local media reports.
The driver of the beach cleaning vehicle told police he did not see the man until after the collision. Authorities also said the victim’s blanket may have made him difficult to spot.
Police conducted a breathalyser test on the driver, who passed the test.
The victim’s identity has not yet been released.
The Catalan Police have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
Meanwhile, Tarragona City Council said it will review what happened and assess additional safety measures to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
L’Arrabassada Beach, known for its 550-metre stretch of golden sand, is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
The beach was also the site of another tragedy last month when three boys drowned after swimming with a group of friends. One 12-year-old died at the scene after prolonged resuscitation efforts, while two 13-year-olds later died in hospital. Tarragona City Council declared three days of mourning following the incident.
A similar accident occurred in December 2024, when a 64-year-old German tourist was fatally run over by a delivery vehicle while sunbathing on Playa del Inglés in Gran Canaria. Police later tracked down the driver, who claimed he was unaware he had struck the woman.
