A lorry carrying mortar grenades and other explosives from the Fábrica de Municiones de Granada lost part of its load in the middle of a public main road on Tuesday afternoon, forcing a full road closure and the evacuation of nearby homes, according to local press.

Residents in the El Fargue area of Granada woke up to a tense scene after the vehicle, travelling between two sites belonging to the same company, suffered an internal load shift, indicating that the load might not have been well tied down. According to local reports, the movement was so strong it ripped open the side of the truck and scattered rounds of mortar shells across the carriageway. Guardia Civil officers ordered people living within a 100-metre radius to leave their properties while specialists worked to make the area safe.

📢⚫️Especial precaución en Granada por el corte de la A-4002 en el entorno de El Fargue.

⚠️Eviten circular por la zona y sigan las indicaciones de los servicios de emergencia. https://t.co/DQ6y8OZI26

— Dir. Gral. Tráfico (@DGTes) October 13, 2026

Bomb disposal teams and emergency crews on the scene

TEDAX explosive ordnance disposal experts (bomb disposal), Guardia Civil, National Police, local police and firefighters all responded quickly. Andalucia’s emergency service activated the pre-emergency phase of the plan for accidents involving dangerous goods, a standard step when munitions or explosives are involved on public roads. No injuries were reported, and officials later said the rapid arrival of the bomb squad meant there was never any real danger to the public.

Police later suggested the incident was probably caused by the load not being properly secured. The company itself confirmed it had been a short internal transfer between its own facilities rather than a long-distance export run, and said it had opened its own investigation. Traffic on the A-4002 was restored later the same afternoon once the rounds had been cleared.

Why this factory is important for Spain’s defence industry

The plant in El Fargue is one of Europe’s oldest continuous ammunition producers, with roots going back centuries. Since 2020 it has been owned by Slovak firm MSM Group, part of the larger Czech Czechoslovak Group (CSG). Demand for large-calibre shells, propellants and mortar rounds has risen sharply because of the war in Ukraine and wider European rearmament, and the factory has expanded its workforce and output to meet contracts. You can read more background on the Fábrica de Municiones de Granada.

Much of what leaves the site ends up with European and NATO customers. Some of the group’s production is also linked, either directly or through the parent company, to supplies that support Ukraine. Spain’s overall military support to Ukraine has included both government donations (such as Leopard tanks and air-defence equipment) and commercial sales of ammunition. Estimates put cumulative Spanish military aid in the region of several billion euros since 2022, with ammunition forming a large share of the commercial side. Euro Weekly News has previously covered Spain’s Leopard tank deliveries and a €615 million military aid package. Earlier reporting also noted Ukrainian criticism that some early Spanish shipments were only enough for two hours of fighting, while other flights carried large-calibre ammunition. Commercial ammunition exports, including from plants like this one, have been substantial — one analysis tracked around 140,000 155 mm shells in a relatively short period.

Rules for moving this kind of cargo

Transporting explosives and ammunition in Spain is tightly controlled under national explosives regulations and the international ADR rules for dangerous goods. Vehicles must meet specific safety standards, specialised “vigilantes de explosivos” security staff are normally required, and journeys need official authorisation, emergency plans and reliable communications with the Guardia Civil. Depending on the quantity and route, an official police escort can also be ordered.

Local moves between a company’s own sites can sometimes operate under lighter escort conditions than long-haul export shipments, but the basic safety rules still apply.

Tuesday’s spill has raised fresh questions among local residents about how such loads are handled on ordinary roads close to homes. The factory has grown into an important industrial site for Granada province, driving a noticeable rise in arms-related exports in recent years. At the same time, any accident involving live munitions on a public highway is bound to draw attention, especially when the material is of a type that has been in high demand for the conflict in Ukraine.

Authorities have not released a detailed public statement beyond the basic facts of the road closure and the activation of the emergency plan. The company’s investigation into the load shift is ongoing. For now, the road is open again and no one was hurt, but the incident has put a spotlight on the practical realities of moving military-grade ammunition through residential areas in southern Spain.

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What makes the perfect Sunday in Spain? Euro Weekly News asked readers to share their ideal way to spend the day, and the answers show that there is no single recipe for a perfect Sunday.

For some, the best thing about Sunday is having nowhere in particular to be and no need to rush. Angela Freezer finds the relaxed Spanish lifestyle is so appealing that every day feels the same. As she puts it, “Every day is a Sunday in Spain.” It is a sentiment that will resonate with many who have made Spain their home, where a slower pace of life can be one of the biggest attractions.

For others, a perfect Sunday starts with getting outdoors. Mary Foster enjoys combining a walk with one of life’s everyday pleasures, describing her ideal day as “A long walk along the beach with plenty of coffee stops along the way.” It is an appealing way to spend a morning, taking in the sea air and stopping whenever the mood strikes.

Family also plays an important part in the perfect Sunday. Ena Cummings keeps things simple, saying her ideal day involves “Spending time out with family and the fur-kids.” Whether that means a walk together, a relaxed lunch or simply enjoying one another’s company, spending quality time with loved ones is a great way to make the most of a day off.

David Oliva enjoys a mix of outdoor activity, local traditions and time to unwind at home. His ideal day offers a little bit of everything. “Local shops closed. Stop off at the bar for morning churros and chocolate after the stroll through the woods dog walking. Proper Sunday roast dinner, afternoon binge watching slurping red wine.”

Meanwhile, Ken J. Brooks keeps his answer short and sweet: “Local bar”. Sometimes, there is no need to plan anything more elaborate than a visit to a favourite neighbourhood spot, whether for a coffee, a drink or a chat with familiar faces.

So, what’s the secret to an ideal Sunday in Spain? Most people said that spending time outdoors, enjoying good food and drink, and being with family or friends were the ingredients that mattered most. Whether it’s a beach walk, churros and chocolate, a roast dinner or a trip to the local bar, the perfect Sunday is ultimately about slowing down and enjoying the day.

Bargain hunters looking for something different can try their luck at a real-life Storage Wars-style auction in San Miguel de Salinas this October. Sidneys Storage and Removals is putting the contents of storage units under the hammer, giving bidders the chance to buy entire units and discover whether their winning bid has uncovered a hidden gem.

Storage units go under the hammer

Bargain hunters can try their luck at a real-life Storage Wars-style auction in San Miguel de Salinas on Sunday, October 18, when the contents of storage units go under the hammer.

Sidneys Storage and Removals is staging the auction, giving bidders the chance to compete for entire units and whatever may be waiting inside them.

The format will be familiar to fans of television auction shows, with the contents of each unit sold to the highest bidder. Organisers have already revealed that at least two of the units contain brand-new items, adding an extra incentive for anyone hoping to uncover a bargain.

Bidders must register before the auction

Anyone wishing to bid must register and provide identification beforehand. Registration can be completed at Sidneys in advance or on the morning of the auction.

Those planning to take part can therefore complete the process before the event or arrive early enough on Sunday morning to register before bidding starts.

On the day, registration opens at 10:00 AM, with the live auction beginning promptly at 10:30 AM.

Mystery contents could reveal hidden bargains

Organisers expect bidding to be completed by around 11:30 AM, so prospective buyers are advised to arrive early.

The unusual event offers everything from the possibility of hidden gems to the simple curiosity of discovering exactly what each storage unit contains.

With at least two units confirmed to include brand-new items, there could be some particularly interesting lots among the storage spaces being offered to bidders.

The auction takes place at Sidneys Storage and Removals in San Miguel de Salinas on Sunday, October 18.

For further information or details about registering to bid, call (+34) 633 730 505.

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