Winds, traffic deaths end Spain's Easter

MADRID, April 1 (UPI) -- Drivers in Spain endured three-hour traffic delays and crashes resulting in 21 deaths as high winds and rain cast a pall over Easter festivities, officials say.

Heading home as Easter celebrations closed down, motorists clogged 280 miles of highway, thinkSPAIN reported Monday.

Gridlock along a 160-mile stretch of highway between Madrid and the city of Alicante caused a three-hour delay.

The sunny weather that had graced Alicante and other Mediterranean beach communities ended abruptly Sunday when rain-laden clouds accompanied by winds of more than 60 mph moved over the region.

More than 21 people died in crashes during the three-day holiday.