Drivers travelling along the A-7 between Malaga and the Axarquia faced disruption on Saturday afternoon, October 24, after a motorhome caught fire near Benagalbon.

Dramatic photographs shared on social media show the front of the white motorhome engulfed in towering flames, with thick smoke rising above the vehicle beside the carriageway. Flames spread to nearby woodland, requiring the intervention of Infoca, Andalucia’s forest-fire service.

The incident was recorded by Spain’s traffic authority, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), at 4.59pm. Its traffic alert identified a vehicle fire affecting the A-7 between kilometre points 966 and 967.9, in Malaga province.

A-7 traffic disruption near Rincon de la Victoria

The DGT initially classified the incident at yellow service level, indicating traffic disruption. Its alert stated that all lanes were affected.

The location is between the municipalities of Rincon de la Victoria and Velez-Malaga, close to Benagalbon, on a stretch of road used daily by residents travelling between the Axarquia, Malaga city and the western Costa del Sol.

Images from the DGT’s traffic cameras later showed the burned-out remains of the vehicle beside the road, emergency personnel at the scene and queues of traffic building up behind the incident.

Motorists reported delays towards Torre del Mar, although the full extent and duration of the congestion have not been confirmed. The A-7 has seen other unusual incidents, including an earlier lorry fire near Rincon de la Victoria that caused lengthy motorway queues.

What caused the motorhome fire?

The photographs appear to show the fire concentrated around the front of the motorhome, potentially in the engine compartment. However, the cause has not been confirmed, and there is no verified information about whether anybody was injured. The stretch of motorway, with a steep incline, and often rapid changes of gear, has become notorious for engine fires in older vehicles over the years.

Drivers approaching an incident of this kind should slow down, follow instructions from emergency personnel and traffic officers, and leave enough room for emergency vehicles to pass. Anyone encountering stationary traffic should avoid using the hard shoulder to bypass the queue, as it may be needed by emergency services.

Motorists heading between Malaga and the Axarquia should check the DGT’s live traffic updates before setting off, particularly if travelling through Rincon de la Victoria or towards Torre del Mar.

The DGT alert confirmed that the fire was first reported at 4.59pm on Saturday. At the time of the available information, it was not clear when traffic returned to normal or what caused the motorhome to catch fire.

Motorhome ablaze. Credit: AW FB

Drivers travelling along the A-7 between Malaga and the Axarquia faced disruption on Saturday afternoon, October 24, after a motorhome caught fire near Benagalbon.

Dramatic photographs shared on social media show the front of the white motorhome engulfed in towering flames, with thick smoke rising above the vehicle beside the carriageway. Flames spread to nearby woodland, requiring the intervention of Infoca, Andalucia’s forest-fire service.

The incident was recorded by Spain’s traffic authority, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), at 4.59pm. Its traffic alert identified a vehicle fire affecting the A-7 between kilometre points 966 and 967.9, in Malaga province.

A-7 traffic disruption near Rincon de la Victoria

The DGT initially classified the incident at yellow service level, indicating traffic disruption. Its alert stated that all lanes were affected.

The location is between the municipalities of Rincon de la Victoria and Velez-Malaga, close to Benagalbon, on a stretch of road used daily by residents travelling between the Axarquia, Malaga city and the western Costa del Sol.

Images from the DGT’s traffic cameras later showed the burned-out remains of the vehicle beside the road, emergency personnel at the scene and queues of traffic building up behind the incident.

Motorists reported delays towards Torre del Mar, although the full extent and duration of the congestion have not been confirmed. The A-7 has seen other unusual incidents, including an earlier lorry fire near Rincon de la Victoria that caused lengthy motorway queues.

What caused the motorhome fire?

The photographs appear to show the fire concentrated around the front of the motorhome, potentially in the engine compartment. However, the cause has not been confirmed, and there is no verified information about whether anybody was injured. The stretch of motorway, with a steep incline, and often rapid changes of gear, has become notorious for engine fires in older vehicles over the years.

Drivers approaching an incident of this kind should slow down, follow instructions from emergency personnel and traffic officers, and leave enough room for emergency vehicles to pass. Anyone encountering stationary traffic should avoid using the hard shoulder to bypass the queue, as it may be needed by emergency services.

Motorists heading between Malaga and the Axarquia should check the DGT’s live traffic updates before setting off, particularly if travelling through Rincon de la Victoria or towards Torre del Mar.

The DGT alert confirmed that the fire was first reported at 4.59pm on Saturday. At the time of the available information, it was not clear when traffic returned to normal or what caused the motorhome to catch fire.

Torrox has paid tribute to two local women recognised for their contributions to public safety, family life and the preservation of local traditions during the 2026 Mujer Rural de la Axarquia awards.

Local police officer recognised for road safety work

Local Police officer María Jesús Quiñones Pastrana received one of four special awards at the sixth annual ceremony, organised by the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Axarquia to mark International Day of Rural Women on October 15.

Quiñones has worked as a police officer in Torrox since 2008 and holds a specialist qualification in Criminology from the University of Malaga. Her work includes teaching road safety to pupils at all five local schools, older residents and expectant families learning about child car seats. Her contribution to road safety education was recognised last year when she received an award for good practice at the sixth Andalusian Road Safety Congress in Coria del Rio.

Gloria Martin celebrated for keeping traditions alive

Torrox resident Gloria Martin Martin was nominated by the town council in recognition of her family life and long-standing involvement in local cultural groups.
A mother of five, Martin has participated in the local Women’s Association and theatre group. She also takes part in the Coros de las Nieves, Coros y Danzas de Torrox and Peña Flamenca La Bodega, helping to pass on the area’s musical and cultural traditions. Her love of the town’s streets and picturesque corners has also earned her a prize in a municipal photography competition.

Mayor praises Torrox’s community spirit

Óscar Medina congratulated both women, saying they represented the best values of Torrox through public service, commitment to safety, family and local traditions. Councillor for Equality Vanessa López also attended the presentation, praising the women’s contributions to education, community safety and the town’s cultural identity. The annual Mujer Rural de la Axarquia awards recognise women across the region for their professional achievements and contributions to their communities, including those who have spent their lives working in agriculture or supporting local associations and cultural traditions.

The awards are held around International Day of Rural Women, observed worldwide on October 15.