Around 3,000 vehicles were trapped as knee-high snow fell between kilometre 60 and 95 on the AP-6 in the province of Segovia on Saturday evening. The hold-up lasted some ten hours.
There was widespread anger at apparent neglect from the authorities who were aware of the inclement weather days before.
The hold-up, which occurred as many families returned from their Kings' Day celebrations, was described as a “death trap” by David Murciano, who was trapped with his family.
Other cases have emerged of children going without water, sick babies unable to get medical attention and a diabetic child separated from their insulin.
A joint law suit is being prepared on behalf of the victims.