Tragic Incident in Playa de San Juan
A 19-year-old man died on Friday, January 16, 2026, in Alicante, Spain, after an unfortunate incident involving a tangerine. The young man was reportedly walking with a friend in the Playa de San Juan area, specifically on the Avenida de las Naciones, when he choked on a tangerine segment. The event occurred around 2:45 PM (14:45 hours).
Emergency Response and Unsuccessful Reanimation
According to reports, the man collapsed after choking. His companion immediately alerted emergency services. Units from the SAMU (Emergency Medical Service), National Police, and Local Police quickly arrived at the scene. Despite their efforts to perform reanimation maneuvers, they were unable to revive him, and his death was certified on site.
Investigation and Autopsy
The body of the deceased has been transferred to the Institute of Legal Medicine in Alicante, where an autopsy will be conducted to officially confirm the cause of death. While the initial hypothesis points to accidental choking, the autopsy will provide definitive answers.
Choking Incidents in Spain
This tragic event highlights the serious nature of choking incidents. Choking is recognized as a significant cause of accidental mortality in Spain, often ranking among the leading causes of external death. Experts emphasize the importance of preventative habits, such as chewing food thoroughly and avoiding talking or laughing while eating, as well as knowing basic first aid maneuvers like the Heimlich maneuver, which can be crucial in an emergency.
5 Comments
Comandante
My deepest condolences to the family during this incredibly difficult time. It's a stark reminder that even seemingly innocuous things can be dangerous, and perhaps more widespread first aid training could make a difference in these sudden, critical moments.
Mariposa
Such a sad story, and it really makes you think about how quickly life can change. While it's easy to dismiss this as a rare occurrence, the statistics on choking deaths show it's a serious public health issue that deserves more attention for prevention.
Comandante
Another young life lost for no good reason. We need to do better with public safety education.
Donatello
Thank you for reporting this. It's a crucial public safety message.
Raphael
Such a heartbreaking loss. My thoughts are with his family.