Joseba Permach, a former Basque parliamentarian, has described how the Lurraldebus coach he was traveling on this morning narrowly avoided being involved in a serious traffic accident on the AP-8 in Elgoibar, an incident that claimed the lives of five officers from the Navarre Foral Police.

Permach stated on social media platform X that, "If it hadn't been for the braking and the driver's diligence, I don't know what would have happened," praising the professional's swift response.

According to his account, after the sudden braking, the coach ended up "practically level with the crashed vehicles," narrowly avoiding a collision. While fragments of glass from the damaged vehicles struck the coach's windshield, no passengers were injured.

The initial concern of the passengers was directed towards the occupants of the vehicles involved. A call was made for any doctors or nurses on board, and while none were present, several healthcare professionals disembarked to assist, though unfortunately, they could not save lives. Permach also highlighted the rapid arrival of ambulances and firefighters, as well as the driver's attentiveness in checking on all passengers.

Permach, who has previously criticized Lurraldebus for service issues, commended the driver's "attitude" and professionalism on this occasion. Permach, a former spokesperson for Herri Batasuna and Batasuna, is currently an Economics professor at the University of the Basque Country (EHU).