A lorry fire on the AP-7 near Vilafranca del Penedès caused major traffic disruption in Catalonia on 28 May 2026, with queues reaching up to 10 kilometres southbound towards Tarragona.
The incident happened at kilometre 194.5, where the vehicle stopped after its load caught fire. Flames spread from one of the rear wheels to the cargo area, which was carrying food products, and then to scrubland beside the motorway.
Firefighters received the alert at 15:13 and initially sent two units to the scene. Traffic authorities closed the southbound carriageway of the AP-7, then reopened one lane about an hour later to ease congestion.
As the fire spread to roadside vegetation, firefighters increased their response to six units. Heavy machinery was also used to separate the lorry's compacted load and reduce hot spots.
Shortly before 18:00, a second lane reopened, although traffic problems continued. The incident adds to a series of vehicle fires reported on the AP-7 since 2021, according to Diari de Tarragona.
For ongoing Catalonia traffic coverage, see our news page. Official traffic updates are published by Servei Català de Trànsit and fire service information is available from Bombers de la Generalitat.