Pursuit on the MA-1 near Andratx: Taxi flees after accident and is stopped in Bendinat

A Palma taxi driver fled after colliding with a colleague for about ten kilometers on the MA-1, and was stopped in Bendinat. Why he fled is unclear.

Chaotic scenes on the MA‑1: Taxi flees after accident, police stop vehicle in Bendinat

Last night the evening calm on the MA‑1 briefly got out of hand: A taxi driver from Palma did not return to the accident scene after a collision with another taxi, but sped off toward Palma. Witnesses report a risky drive in which a pedestrian narrowly avoided a collision.

The chase began, according to witnesses, around 18:20 — exact date: the late afternoon of September 28. Several patrol cars joined the pursuit and escorted the fleeing taxi for about ten kilometers on the coastal motorway. The officers apparently forced their way through with lights and sirens and were able to stop the vehicle in the Bendinat area.

On-site residents saw a tow truck and several police cars. A neighbor on Calle Toni de la Torre dryly said: “I thought at first this was just another racer. Then you heard the sirens – a totally different caliber.”

Tests with negative results – investigations underway

According to the reports still on site, alcohol and drug screenings of the driver came back negative. Still, it is not clear why he fled at all. The police have opened investigations into the background; possible reasons range from panic to driving insecurity to personal problems — all still open.

The other taxi involved stood at the roadside with visible damage; its driver was briefly questioned but did not need to be taken to hospital. Statements from those involved are part of the ongoing investigation.

Endangering others

Especially worrying: According to witnesses, a woman walking along the roadside almost was hit. She had to jump out of the way. Such scenes linger. An older man nearby said: “The road is often already hectic, but this... that was unnecessary.”

The traffic authority warns of possible criminal consequences in such cases — besides license suspension, charges for endangering road traffic and coercion may follow. Depending on how the investigations proceed, the situation for the driver could worsen.

What residents and taxi colleagues say

During a brief chat in a nearby cafe, the mood was tense: “We are all taxi drivers, but something like this harms our reputation,” said a colleague who wished to remain anonymous. Others noted that conflicts between drivers occur more often, but usually do not escalate like this.

The police have released only a few details to date and ask witnesses with tips or mobile footage to come forward. One thing is certain: the scene on the MA‑1 last night startled many people. Whether the case goes to court or ends with a warning will become clear in the coming days.

We will keep you updated as soon as authorities publish more information.