In memory of Corporal Javier García Sancho, of the UME, who died in the line of duty

The Spanish Armed Forces are once again in mourning for the death of one of their soldiers in the line of duty.

The Military Emergency Unit (UME) has announced the death of Corporal Javier García Sancho, a member of the Fourth Emergency Intervention Battalion (BIEM IV), based in Zaragoza. The tragic event took place on Sunday afternoon, August 16, while he was participating in the firefighting missions for the Peñas de Riglos forest fire in Huesca.

The UME (Military Emergency Unit) stated: "The incident occurred around 6:00 PM during firefighting operations at the Peñas de Riglos fire, for which the Military Emergency Unit had been activated. The fire engine carrying the affected military personnel was traveling on a road in the operations area, in the strategically most important sector for containing the potential advance of the fire towards the Peña Oro area. Due to the heavy rainfall, the road was muddy and offered poor traction. These circumstances may have caused the vehicle to lose stability or control, resulting in its plunge and overturning, although the cause is currently under investigation."

In its statement, the UME adds: "Of the other three occupants of the fire truck, one was initially taken to the Miquel Servet Hospital and from there to the Military Hospital of Zaragoza. Meanwhile, the other two occupants, despite sustaining minor injuries, were also taken to the Military Hospital for a full evaluation." I wish them a speedy recovery.

My deepest condolences to the family and comrades of the deceased corporal. Grant him eternal rest, O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon him. Rest in peace.

Honor demanded and they obeyed,
Duty required it and they complied with it;
With their blood the company was signed
With their efforts they made the country great.

They were big and strong, because they were
Faithful to the oath they swore.
That's why they fought like brave men,
And they died like heroes.

Dying for the country was his destiny,
Love Spain its eternal passion,
Serve in the Armies his vocation and fate.

They did not want to serve another Flag,
They did not want to walk another path,
They didn't know how to live any other way.