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TRAM d’Alacant Carries Out Simulated Collision with Electric Car in Villajoyosa

Villajoyosa / 20 December 2025

Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) carried out a simulated collision exercise this morning in Villajoyosa involving a TRAM d’Alacant Line 1 (Luceros–Benidorm) tram and an electric car at the traffic-light level crossing on Limones Street, at its intersection with Doctor Álvaro Esquerdo Avenue.

The exercise was designed to test emergency response procedures, coordination between services and the correct application of the Self-Protection Plan in the event of a collision and subsequent fire.

In the simulated scenario, the electric vehicle collided with the tram, leaving part of the car stranded on the viaduct and blocking traffic at the crossing. The vehicle was assumed to have caught fire immediately following the impact. At the same time, a fraud control operation was being carried out at Creueta station, involving USIS staff, security guards and support from the Villajoyosa Local Police, who were then redirected to the simulated accident site.

Two separate situations were tested during the drill: one in which the tram driver successfully communicated the collision to the TRAM Control Post, triggering the Self-Protection Plan, and another in which the driver was left unconscious inside the driving cab.

The main objectives of the exercise were to assess internal and external emergency response capacity; verify collision and fire procedures; practise evacuation on a viaduct; test onboard emergency equipment, including manual fire extinguishers; carry out firefighter intervention and rescue tasks; and ensure effective coordination between all emergency services involved.

The exercise was organised by the FGV Security and Civil Protection Unit and involved a wide range of personnel. From FGV, participants included the tram driver, Control Post controllers, remote control operators, line technicians, operational and technical management staff from TRAM d’Alacant, USIS teams, civil protection staff and FGV volunteers. Security guards from GARDA and authorised staff from COMSA also took part, the latter being responsible for cutting power to the electrified track.

External emergency services involved included 1·1·2 Comunitat Valenciana, the Alicante Provincial Fire Brigade (Marina Baixa station, Benidorm), Villajoyosa Local Police, the National Police unit assigned to the Valencian Community, the Guardia Civil post of Villajoyosa, and the Valencian Community Emergency Health Service.

The drill concluded approximately 90 minutes after it began and received an initial positive assessment from all participants, pending a more detailed review by each department involved.

FGV’s Security and Civil Protection Unit regularly organises simulated incidents and site visits across the TRAM network to ensure that staff and emergency services remain familiar with safety systems, facilities and coordinated response procedures in emergency situations.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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TRAM d’Alacant Carries Out Simulated Collision with Electric Car in Villajoyosa

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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