A manhunt is underway after a Spanish soldier was killed in a hit-and-run in Sevilla.
The victim, 29, has been named as Efren Carazo Fernandez, a serviceman from Palma del Rio in neighbouring Cordoba province who was stationed at the Tablada military base.
Efren had stopped his vehicle on the A-4 motorway near Carmona and was changing a tyre when he was struck by a passing van at around 7.30am.
The driver failed to stop and continued along the motorway, prompting a Guardia Civil investigation to identify and locate them.
The caller reported seeing a man lying on the ground beside a stationary vehicle.
Paramedics were immediately dispatched but Efren was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tributes to young serviceman
Efren’s death has caused widespread shock in his hometown of Palma del Rio, where he was well known and involved in the town’s social and sporting life.
He served with the Spanish Air and Space Force and was based at the Tablada barracks in Sevilla.
The force said: ‘With deep sorrow, we bid farewell to our comrade, soldier Efren Carazo, who passed away in a traffic accident while heading to his workplace.
‘His spirit of camaraderie earned him the affection of all those who had the privilege of serving by his side. R.I.P.’
The keen runner had also taken part in the XXV Carrera Nocturna, organised by Club Atletismo Palma del Río, as recently as May.
Tributes have poured in from his relatives, friends, neighbours and military colleagues following news of his death.
His funeral was held at the San Francisco parish church in Palma del Río on Wednesday, August 19.
Meanwhile, the Guardia Civil investigation remains ongoing as officers work to track down the driver who fled after the fatal collision.
