At least 13 people were injured Thursday when a car drove into a crowd outside the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, where FC Barcelona was playing Espanyol in a high-stakes La Liga match.
Catalan Police described the incident as an “accidental collision” and confirmed that the situation is under control. “In no case does it pose a risk to the people inside the sports facility,” authorities said in a social media post.
Emergency responders treated all 13 victims at the scene. Nine people suffered minor injuries, while four sustained injuries described as “less than serious,” according to Catalonia’s emergency services.
Authorities arrested the driver, though they have not yet released further details about the individual or the cause of the crash. A heavy police presence remains at the site.
Video posted to social media and verified by CNN shows a white car driving through a packed park area near the stadium. The footage captures panicked bystanders and a chaotic scene before first responders arrived.
Officials have not confirmed whether the driver lost control of the vehicle or experienced a medical episode. The investigation is ongoing.
Despite the disruption, the match between FC Barcelona and Espanyol went ahead. FC Barcelona secured a 2–0 victory, clinching the 2024–25 La Liga title. The win marks another milestone in a historic rivalry that often reflects deeper political tensions in Catalonia.
The competition between the two clubs dates back nearly 100 years. FC Barcelona has long represented Catalan identity and aspirations for independence. In contrast, Espanyol has often been seen as aligned with the Spanish state.
The heated atmosphere extended onto the pitch. Espanyol defender Leandro Cabrera received a red card in the closing minutes for elbowing 17-year-old rising star Lamine Yamal. The foul led to confrontations between players and disrupted the flow of the game.
As Barcelona celebrated their title win, the stadium’s sprinklers turned on unexpectedly, soaking players and staff. The incident added to a night marked by both celebration and confusion.
Local officials praised emergency teams for their quick action. “The injured people are being treated by emergency services,” Catalan Police confirmed. The post added that “there is a large police presence in the area,” to ensure public safety.
The incident occurred just outside the stadium’s public gathering area. Police closed off nearby roads and redirected pedestrian traffic as a precaution.
Authorities emphasized that the stadium and its occupants were never in direct danger. FC Barcelona staff coordinated with law enforcement to ensure the game could proceed without further incident.
Experts say this kind of vehicle-related crowd accident, while rare, highlights the need for improved pedestrian safety near large venues. “Urban areas that host high-traffic events must reassess barriers and entry points,” said Pablo Martinez, a public safety researcher based in Madrid.
Police are continuing their investigation. They are interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage to determine what led to the collision. While the motive appears accidental, officials have not ruled out other causes.
Barcelona city officials are also expected to review safety protocols around major events following Thursday’s incident.
No further updates about the driver or the victims have been released at this time.
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