Truck Driver's UFO Encounter: The Maximiliano Sanchez Incident of 1974 | Documented Alien Contact
The night of March 20, 1974, forever changed the life of 21-year-old truck driver Maximiliano Iglesias Sanchez. While driving home to Lagonilla, Spain after a long day of work, Sanchez encountered what first appeared to be an extremely bright light on the highway near the village of Hokago. Initially assuming it was another vehicle, he flashed his high beams to signal the driver, but received no response. As he approached, his truck inexplicably stalled, and he found himself face-to-face with something extraordinary.
What Sanchez discovered wasn't another vehicle but two metallic disc-shaped objects, approximately 30-36 feet in diameter, hovering about five feet above the ground on three landing pads. Even more shocking were the two six-foot-tall humanoid figures that appeared, wearing illuminated, close-fitting coveralls. The entities moved with human-like motions, gestured to each other, and seemed to take notice of Sanchez before the craft rose with a slight humming sound. When Sanchez returned to the same location the following night, he encountered three objects and four entities that pursued him, forcing him to hide in a muddy ditch to escape. His encounter was later investigated by the Spanish Civil Guard, who reportedly found evidence supporting his claims.
Key Takeaways
A Spanish truck driver's routine journey transformed into a close encounter with unidentified craft and humanoid entities that caused his vehicle to stall.
The entities appeared human-like in proportion and movement, wore illuminated coveralls, and seemed to communicate through gestures.
When the encounter repeated the following night, multiple beings actively pursued the witness, suggesting an escalation in their interest.
The Unexpected Roadside Occurrence
First Observation and Contact
On the evening of March 20, 1974, Maximiliano Iglesias Sanchez was driving his truck home after a long workday. As he passed through Hokago village, he noticed an extremely bright white light approximately 2,000 feet ahead on the highway. Thinking it was another vehicle, he flashed his high beams several times to signal the driver to dim their lights.
The light remained intensely bright, forcing Sanchez to pull his truck to the roadside. After a moment, the light dimmed to about the intensity of a 50-watt bulb. Believing the other driver had responded, Sanchez continued driving toward the light.
When he came within 600 feet, Sanchez realized he wasn't approaching another vehicle at all. The source of light was something completely outside his normal experience.
Mechanical Failure and Examination of the Object
Without warning, Sanchez's truck lights extinguished and the engine died. In the dim illumination provided by the strange object, he could now see it clearly - a metallic disk approximately 30-36 feet in diameter hovering about five feet above the ground on three round landing supports.
The craft appeared to be made of platinum or steel with:
Smooth edges
No visible rivets or openings
A uniform light emanating from all surfaces
To his surprise, Sanchez spotted a second similar craft about 50 feet above and to the right of the first one. Two humanoid figures suddenly appeared in front of the grounded craft, moving in unison and gesturing to each other "like tourists" as Sanchez later described.
The beings stood approximately six feet tall wearing bright, close-fitting coveralls that seemed to emit their own light. Though human-like in proportion and movement, Sanchez couldn't make out any facial features from his position. After briefly observing him, both entities walked out of sight, and the craft rose into the air with a slight humming sound.
When the first object reached the altitude of the second, Sanchez's truck mysteriously started functioning again. He drove a short distance before stopping for another look, noticing the craft had returned to its original landing spot. Overcome with fear, he quickly drove home without stopping again.
Maximiliano Iglesias Sanchez Profile
Maximiliano Iglesias Sanchez, a 21-year-old truck driver from Legonila, Spain, experienced two consecutive nights of unusual encounters in March 1974. His case gained attention after being featured in a Spanish magazine and investigated by the Civil Guard, who found evidence supporting his claims.
On March 20, 1974, while driving his truck near Hokago village, Sanchez noticed an extremely bright white light approximately 2,000 feet ahead on the highway. Initially mistaking it for another vehicle, he flashed his high beams several times, but received no response.
The light was so intense that Sanchez pulled over. As he approached within 600 feet, he realized the light wasn't from another vehicle. Suddenly, his truck's lights and engine failed completely.
The First Encounter Details:
Object description: Metallic disk, 30-36 feet in diameter
Material: Appeared to be platinum or steel with smooth edges
Position: Hovering about 5 feet above ground on three landing pads
Light: Uniform illumination across all surfaces
Sanchez observed a second identical craft hovering 50 feet above and to the right of the first one. Two humanoid figures appeared in front of the grounded craft, moving in unison and gesturing to each other.
The entities stood approximately 6 feet tall and wore close-fitting, illuminated coveralls that appeared to be made of rubber. They had proportional limbs and walked like normal humans, though Sanchez couldn't discern their facial features from his distance.
After briefly observing Sanchez, the entities walked away, and the craft rose with a slight humming sound. When Sanchez tried to leave, his truck started without issue. He briefly stopped again to look back, saw the craft had returned to its landing spot, and fled home in fear.
The following evening (March 21), despite warnings from friends, Sanchez drove the same route. Around 11:15 PM, he encountered three illuminated objects in the same area. Again, his truck's lights and engine failed.
This time, four entities emerged and began approaching him. Feeling threatened, Sanchez abandoned his vehicle and ran across a field. He successfully evaded the pursuing beings by hiding in a mud-filled ditch.
The Civil Guard's subsequent investigation discovered evidence at the site, lending credibility to Sanchez's extraordinary account of these encounters.
Detailed Analysis of the Unknown Aerial Objects
The unidentified craft encountered by Spanish truck driver Maximiliano Iglesias Sanchez in March 1974 displayed several distinctive features. The primary object appeared as a metallic disk approximately 30-36 feet in diameter with a smooth, seamless exterior. The craft exhibited no visible rivets, joints, or entrance points, presenting a solid platinum or steel-like surface. It hovered approximately five feet above the ground, supported by three circular landing structures.
The object emitted an unusual luminosity that initially appeared extremely bright—bright enough to cause visibility issues for Sanchez on the highway. This illumination later dimmed to approximately the intensity of a 50-watt bulb. Notably, the light appeared to emanate uniformly from all surfaces of the craft rather than from specific light sources.
During the first encounter, Sanchez observed two crafts—the primary one on the road and a second hovering about 50 feet above and to the right of the first. During his second encounter the following night, three identical crafts were present—one directly on the highway and two positioned off-road.
Technical Characteristics Description Size 30-36 feet in diameter Material appearance Platinum or steel-like metallic surface Construction Smooth edges, no visible seams or openings Elevation Approximately 5 feet above ground Support mechanism Three round landing pads Illumination Uniform light emanating from all surfaces Movement capability Vertical ascension with slight humming sound
The objects demonstrated electromagnetic interference capabilities, causing Sanchez's truck lights to fail and the engine to stall during both encounters. The second encounter resulted in the truck backfiring before shutting down completely.
The craft's occupants appeared humanoid, standing approximately six feet tall with proportional limbs and normal walking movements. They wore close-fitting, rubber-like coveralls that emitted their own luminescence rather than merely reflecting light from the craft. The entities moved in coordinated patterns, used gesture-based communication, and demonstrated awareness of Sanchez's presence during both encounters.
The craft demonstrated controlled aerial maneuverability, including hovering in place and synchronized positioning. When departing, the first object rose with a slight humming sound to join the second hovering craft, suggesting controlled propulsion technology unlike conventional aircraft.
Encounter with the Strange Visitors
Mysterious Figures on the Highway
The confrontation began on March 20, 1974, when Maximiliano Iglesias Sanchez, a 21-year-old truck driver from Legonilla, Spain, was returning home after a long workday. While driving past the village of Hokago, he noticed an intensely bright white light approximately 2,000 feet ahead on the highway. Assuming it was another vehicle with high beams, Sanchez flashed his lights several times as a courtesy signal.
When the light didn't dim in response, its brightness became so overwhelming that Sanchez had to pull over. The light eventually reduced to about the intensity of a 50-watt bulb, allowing him to continue driving. As he approached within 600 feet, he made a startling discovery - the light wasn't coming from another vehicle at all.
Without warning, his truck's electrical system failed completely - lights extinguished and engine dead. In the dim illumination provided by the mysterious object, Sanchez observed what appeared to be a large metallic disk. The craft had a solid structure resembling platinum or steel with smooth edges, measured approximately 30-36 feet in diameter, and hovered about five feet above the ground on three round landing supports.
Interaction and Sanchez's Response
Two humanoid figures suddenly appeared in front of the grounded craft, moving in synchronized fashion and gesturing to each other "like tourists." One of the entities pointed directly at Sanchez, then turned and briefly disappeared to the right of the object while the other remained watching him. When the first figure returned, they communicated nonverbally before both walked out of sight.
The beings stood approximately six feet tall and wore illuminated close-fitting coveralls that appeared to be made of rubber. Their clothing emitted its own light rather than merely reflecting the craft's illumination. Despite their unusual attire, Sanchez noted their proportions and walking style seemed entirely human-like.
After the encounter, Sanchez's truck mysteriously restarted without issue. He drove a short distance before stopping to observe the craft again, which had returned to its original position. Suddenly overcome with fear, he sped home and went straight to bed, skipping dinner.
The following evening, despite warnings from his girlfriend's family, Sanchez traveled the same route again around 11:15 PM. When he encountered similar lights, he continued driving toward them, reasoning they hadn't harmed him previously. This time, he observed three crafts, and his truck stalled again with a backfire.
Four entities emerged from one craft, studied him briefly, then began advancing toward him. Sensing danger, Sanchez abandoned his truck and fled across a field. When the beings pursued at high speed, he concealed himself in a muddy ditch and remained motionless as they passed by his hiding place.
Heightened Encounters and Nocturnal Pursuit
Return of the Unidentified Craft
On March 21, 1974, Maximiliano Iglesias Sanchez experienced a second encounter with the mysterious objects. Despite warnings from his girlfriend Venuncia Moreno and her family to avoid traveling at night, Sanchez decided to drive home. At approximately 11:15 PM, he found himself approaching the same location where he had witnessed the strange craft the previous evening. As he drove along the highway toward Lagonilla, he spotted a bright light ahead. Unlike his first encounter, Sanchez immediately recognized what he was seeing and continued driving toward it, believing the entities posed no threat based on his previous experience.
When he approached within 600 feet of the light, Sanchez discovered not one but three illuminated objects. Similar to his first encounter, his truck's headlights extinguished and the engine stalled, this time with an audible backfire. One craft rested directly on the highway while two others hovered just off the road to his right, positioned one behind the other. All three emitted the same dim illumination he had observed during his previous encounter.
Confrontation Strategy
Sanchez made the bold decision to continue his approach despite the presence of multiple craft. His reasoning was straightforward - if the entities had intended to harm him during their first encounter, they would have done so then. This confidence led him to drive directly toward the objects instead of turning back.
As he observed the scene, four humanoid figures suddenly materialized and gathered at the center of the craft that was sitting on the highway. The entities appeared to focus their attention directly on Sanchez, studying him from a distance. They communicated with each other through hand gestures, pointing directly at him in a manner that suggested coordinated action.
Their attentiveness to his presence quickly transformed Sanchez's confidence into alarm. When the beings began walking deliberately in his direction, he immediately sensed danger. The previous night's curiosity had been replaced by genuine fear, prompting him to take immediate evasive action.
Evasive Maneuvers
Sanchez abandoned his truck on the highway and fled on foot, running away from the approaching entities. Glancing back over his shoulder, he noticed the four figures had accelerated their pace, closing the distance between them at an alarming rate. Their pursuit appeared methodical and determined.
In response to the chase, Sanchez veered off the road and sprinted across an adjacent field. The beings continued their pursuit, moving with unexpected speed as they narrowed the gap. In a moment of quick thinking, Sanchez spotted a small mud-filled ditch in the field and recognized it as a potential hiding place.
He leapt into the muddy depression and remained completely motionless as the four entities continued past his position, apparently losing track of him in the darkness. His improvised strategy proved effective - by concealing himself in the ditch and maintaining absolute stillness, Sanchez successfully evaded the pursuing figures as they ventured deeper into the field beyond his hiding spot.
Sanchez's Fear and Escape
After the initial encounter, Sanchez returned home without stopping, skipping his usual dinner and going straight to bed. In the morning, he shared his experience with neighbors who dismissed his claims. His coworkers were similarly skeptical, though one mentioned a similar account from a commercial traveler near Seville.
Later on March 21st, 1974, Sanchez visited his girlfriend Venuncia Moreno in Pineda after delivering construction materials. When he told her family about his experience, they took his story seriously and urged him to stay overnight rather than drive the same route after dark. Sanchez declined their advice.
Around 11:15 PM, Sanchez found himself approaching the same location as his previous night's encounter. He spotted a bright light again but continued driving, reasoning that if the entities had wanted to harm him, they would have done so during the first encounter.
When he came within 600 feet of the light, he realized there were actually three craft:
One sitting directly on the highway
Two others positioned off the right side of the road
As before, his truck's lights failed and the engine died with a backfire. The objects glowed with the same dim illumination he had observed previously.
Four humanoid figures suddenly appeared and gathered at the center of the craft on the highway. The beings looked directly at Sanchez and seemed to communicate with each other through gestures. When they began pointing at him and walking in his direction, Sanchez felt immediate danger.
Abandoning his truck, Sanchez fled down the road. He glanced back to see the figures had increased their pace and were moving very quickly toward him. To evade his pursuers, Sanchez:
Ran across a nearby field
Noticed the beings were closing the distance
Spotted a small mud-filled ditch
Jumped into the muddy depression for concealment
His impromptu hiding strategy proved effective. Sanchez remained perfectly still as the beings walked past his position and continued searching the field, unaware of his presence in the ditch.
Aftermath and Witness Response
Doubt from Local Community
After his first encounter on March 20, 1974, Maximiliano Iglesias Sanchez immediately shared his experience with neighbors upon returning home. Unfortunately, they showed little belief in his account of the strange crafts and beings he had witnessed on the highway. This skepticism extended to his workplace, where colleagues similarly dismissed his claims about the illuminated craft and humanoid figures. Despite this widespread disbelief, Sanchez did learn something interesting from a coworker—the son of his employer mentioned hearing a comparable story from a commercial traveler who had encountered an unusual object and its occupants near Seville. This small connection provided Sanchez with some validation that others might have experienced similar phenomena in the region.
Discussion with the Moreno Family
Later on March 21st, Sanchez visited Venancia Moreno, a woman he had been dating, at her home in Pineda after delivering construction materials in the area. Unlike his neighbors and coworkers, Venancia and her family took his story very seriously. They were so concerned about his safety that they insisted he stay overnight at their home rather than travel back on the same road after dark. Their genuine worry and acceptance of his account stood in stark contrast to the dismissive reactions he had received earlier. Despite their considerate offer and apparent concern for his wellbeing, Sanchez decided not to stay, a choice he would soon have reason to reconsider when he encountered the strange beings again that very night.
Civil Guard Investigation
The Spanish authorities took a keen interest in the unusual roadside encounters reported by Maximiliano Iglesias Sanchez. Following his reported sightings on March 20-21, 1974, officers from the Civil Guard conducted a formal investigation into his claims.
The investigation focused on the location where Sanchez described seeing the metallic craft landing on the highway near Hokago village. Law enforcement officials examined the roadway and surrounding area for physical evidence that might corroborate his account.
Surprisingly, the Civil Guard's investigation did yield some findings that suggested something unusual had indeed occurred at the location. While the specific evidence was not detailed in full, it appears the officers located marks or traces that aligned with Sanchez's description of a craft landing on three round pads.
The officers' willingness to investigate the matter thoroughly stands out as an unusual feature of this case. Most UFO encounters receive little official attention, but the Civil Guard's involvement lends a degree of credibility to Sanchez's experience.
Their investigation represents one of the more noteworthy aspects of this incident, as it moved beyond mere witness testimony to include the collection and examination of physical evidence. This official involvement distinguishes the Sanchez case from many other UFO reports of the era.
Cultural Impact and Media Coverage
The Maximiliano Iglesias Sanchez case received notable attention when his encounter was published in a Spanish magazine. His account of meeting strange entities on a rural Spanish highway over two consecutive nights in March 1974 sparked interest among UFO researchers and civilians alike.
What distinguishes this case from many other UFO encounters is the involvement of official authorities. Civil Guard officers conducted an investigation of the incident site and reportedly discovered evidence supporting Sanchez's claim that something unusual had landed on the road. This official examination lent credibility to what might otherwise have been dismissed as mere fantasy.
The public response to Sanchez's story varied significantly. His neighbors initially rejected his account, refusing to believe his description of illuminated disk-shaped craft and humanoid entities in glowing coveralls. His co-workers, however, connected his experience to a similar encounter reported near Seville by a commercial traveler.
When Sanchez shared his experience with his girlfriend Venuncia Moreno and her family, they responded with genuine concern for his safety. They even urged him to avoid traveling the same route after dark, demonstrating how seriously some took the potential threat posed by these strange visitors.
The case features elements common in UFO literature:
Vehicle electrical failure near the craft
Humanoid entities of approximately human height
Craft with landing gear
Pursuit by non-human entities
Mechanical issues resolving after the craft departed
The Sanchez case remains significant as an example of a UFO encounter that received both official investigation and media coverage in 1970s Spain.
