Man Dies After Falling into Irrigation Ditch in Village Between Orihuela and Murcia

Man Found Dead in Irrigation Ditch

A man believed to be between 40 and 45 years old has died after falling into an irrigation ditch in La Aparecida, a small rural hamlet in the Vega Baja del Segura area of Alicante province, situated between Orihuela city and the border with the Region of Murcia. The incident occurred in the area known locally as Hoyico de la Virgen.

What Happened

The man had gone out to water his crops and did not return. Emergency services were alerted at around 11:30pm. When National Police and fire crews arrived at the scene, they found his car parked beside an irrigation ditch with its lights still on.

A search operation was launched and continued for more than two hours across the surrounding area. At around 1:30am, officers located the man's body approximately 200 metres from his vehicle, inside the irrigation ditch.

Investigation Underway

The man was found deceased. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. No further details have been confirmed publicly.

The Vega Baja del Segura is a predominantly agricultural area, and irrigation ditches — known locally as acequias — are a common feature of the landscape. The incident is a reminder of the hazards that can be present in rural farming areas, particularly at night.

This article is based on reporting from Alicante Today, published May 5, 2026.