Thirteen Injured As Car Ploughs Into Crowd Outside Espanyol-Barcelona Derby.
Thirteen people were injured when a car crashed into a group of football fans gathered outside the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona during Thursday’s derby match between Espanyol and Barcelona, local authorities have confirmed. The incident occurred as Espanyol supporters assembled to greet their team’s coach ahead of the La Liga clash, which saw Barcelona secure the league title with a 2-0 victory.
Police in Barcelona reported that four of the injured were taken to hospital, though none are believed to be in serious condition. The most severe injury reported was a broken leg. Ten ambulances were dispatched to the scene to treat the casualties. The driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and causing injury.
Videos circulating on social media showed the vehicle, which had come to a stop near some bins outside the stadium, surrounded by fans before it suddenly accelerated into the crowd. In a statement posted online, Barcelona police reassured supporters that the incident posed no further danger to those inside the stadium.
The match itself was briefly delayed in its opening stages as the referee consulted with police regarding the situation. Catalonia’s president, Salvador Illa, who attended the game, downplayed the severity of the incident in an interview with Spanish broadcaster Movistar Plus. “It was an accident, some people were injured, but not seriously. There are no major incidents to report,” he said.
The incident cast a shadow over an otherwise triumphant night for Barcelona, whose victory clinched the La Liga title. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, with police urging witnesses to come forward with any additional information.
