UME soldier killed in truck overturn while fighting Huesca wildfire, three injured

Accident during fire operations

A soldier from Spain's Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME) died on Sunday, 16 August 2026, after the fire truck he was travelling in overturned near the village of Atarés, close to Monte Oroel in Huesca. The vehicle was part of the firefighting operation against the Las Peñas de Riglos forest fire, which has been burning since Monday 10 August. Three other military personnel in the vehicle were injured: one seriously, requiring hospitalisation at the Hospital Miguel Servet in Zaragoza, and two with minor injuries whose lives are not in danger. The accident occurred on the road to Bernués, and the causes remain under investigation by the Guardia Civil. The Government Delegation in Aragón said further details awaited confirmation from the Ministry of Defence.

Scale of the Las Peñas de Riglos fire

The fire has affected an area exceeding 16,000 hectares. Approximately 1,000 personnel from different administrations and more than 40 aerial means are deployed on the ground. The blaze has forced more than 1,000 people from 19 municipalities to evacuate their homes. The accident took place in the Barranco de Atarés area, where firefighting efforts were concentrated on Sunday.

Political reactions

The president of the Government of Aragón, Jorge Azcón, confirmed the death through a message on X, saying he had conveyed his condolences to the lieutenant general of the UME.

I have conveyed my deepest condolences to the lieutenant general of the Military Emergency Unit for the death of a soldier in the Las Peñas de Riglos fire.

Azcón said that one of the fire trucks participating in the operation, carrying four people, had an accident that caused one death, while two people were injured and another was admitted to the Hospital Miguel Servet. He asked that the Guardia Civil provide further details.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his condolences on X, conveying his affection and solidarity to the family and colleagues of the deceased soldier, and thanking all UME and emergency service personnel.

We are in constant debt to you.

PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo also sent a message of condolence on X.

My deepest condolences to the family of the UME soldier who died while on his way to extinguish a fire.

Feijóo wished a swift recovery to the injured members of the battalion and expressed solidarity with those who work to protect the public against fire.

Official mourning and tributes

The Jaca town hall announced it will declare a day of official mourning and hold a minute of silence on Monday, 17 August, at 12:00 at the doors of the Casa Consistorial. The Government of Aragón also called a minute of silence at midday on the steps of the 112 access at the Pignatelli building, the central seat of the regional government in Zaragoza. Earlier on Sunday, the Cecopi coordination meeting at 20:00 local time had opened with a minute of silence in memory of the fallen soldier.

The Jaca town hall praised the "fundamental" work of the UME and all personnel working on the ground, and invited citizens to join the act of remembrance for someone who lost their life while working in the service of others.

Today's tragedy demonstrates once again the enormous risk and sacrifice assumed by those who work on the front line against this emergency.