The Royal House conveys its "affection" to the relatives and colleagues of the UME soldier who died after the extinction of the Huesca fire

The Royal House has joined the condolences after the death this Sunday of a member of the Military Emergency Unit (UME) after his truck overturned while working on the extinction efforts of the fire in Las Peñas de Riglos in Huesca. Likewise, another three military personnel from the corps have been injured.

"All our love for the family and colleagues of UME Corporal Javier García Sancho, a member of the Emergency Intervention Battalion IV (Zaragoza), who died while working on the extinction efforts of #IFPeñasdeRiglos and our wish that those injured in this operation recover well and as soon as possible," they wrote on the official X account.

Todo nuestro cariño para los familiares y compañeros del Cabo de la UME Javier García Sancho, miembro del Batallón de Intervención en Emergencias IV (Zaragoza), fallecido mientras trabajaba en las labores de extinción del #IFPeñasdeRiglos y nuestro deseo de que los heridos en…

— Casa de S.M. el Rey (@CasaReal) August 17, 2026

The Minister of Interior of the Government of Aragon, Roberto Bermúdez de Castro, was in charge of relaying the news after the Cecopi meeting, where a minute of silence was observed. In turn, he reported that the fire is "less hot" but that it "continues to be in a complicated situation. It is a very complex, very complicated place, with very large masses."

For this reason, he asked to maintain caution and stated that it is necessary to "continue working hard," because there is still "fire for a while."

"Aragon shares the pain"

The president of Aragon, Jorge Azcón, has spoken about the death of the UME soldier through an emotional message of support and affection in which he states that "Aragon shares the pain." He published the video on his official X account, where he expressed: "We put ourselves at the disposal of the family of the soldier who died in the #IFPeñasDeRiglos and of the entire @UMEgob for whatever they need."

The President of the Government conveys his solidarity

Given the tragic news, the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, wanted to convey his "affection and solidarity" to the family and colleagues of the deceased soldier. He also highlighted the "dedication, commitment, and bravery" of the emergency services that are carrying out the extinction and attention efforts for the fire. "We are constantly indebted to you," his message concludes. 

"All my affection and solidarity with the family and colleagues of the @UMEgob soldier who died in an accident while working on the extinction of the fire in Peñas de Riglos, and the wish for a speedy recovery to the injured. Thanks to all the men and women of the UME and the emergency services for your dedication, commitment, and bravery. We are constantly indebted to you," the President of the Government wrote in a message on his X account.