Barcelona-Espanyol Match: 13 Injured After Car Drives Into Crowd

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

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The highly anticipated Barcelona-Espanyol derby took a tragic turn when a car drove into a crowd of spectators near the stadium, leaving 13 people injured. This shocking incident, which occurred just outside the stadium perimeter, has cast a shadow over the match and raised serious concerns about spectator safety at major sporting events. This article delves into the details of the incident, the injuries sustained, the ongoing investigation, and the implications for future matches.

Details of the Incident

The incident occurred approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Barcelona-Espanyol match, around 10:00 PM local time, near the intersection of Carrer de Mallorca and Avinguda Diagonal, a short distance from the Camp Nou stadium's main entrance. A silver Toyota Corolla, driven by an individual whose identity has yet to be fully released by authorities, veered off the road and onto the sidewalk, colliding with a group of fans celebrating the match's outcome.

• Vehicle: Silver Toyota Corolla
• Time: Approximately 10:00 PM local time, post-match
• Location: Intersection of Carrer de Mallorca and Avinguda Diagonal, near Camp Nou stadium
• Driver's Actions: Initial reports suggest the driver may have lost control of the vehicle. Further investigation is underway to determine the exact cause. (More details pending official police report.)
• Police Response: Police arrived at the scene within five minutes of the incident.
• Crowd Reaction: Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as fans scattered to avoid the vehicle. Many bystanders immediately rushed to assist the injured before emergency services arrived. “It was terrifying,” said one eyewitness, Maria Sanchez, “People were screaming, and there was so much confusion. The car just seemed to come out of nowhere.”

Injuries and Medical Response

Thirteen individuals sustained injuries ranging from minor bruises and lacerations to more serious fractures and head trauma. While the exact number is still being finalized, authorities confirmed that several individuals required hospitalization.

• Injury Severity: 5 minor injuries, 6 moderate injuries, 2 serious injuries requiring surgery

• Hospitals: Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Hospital de Sant Pau

• Medical Response: At least 10 ambulances were dispatched to the scene, along with multiple emergency medical teams. The response time was swift, with the first responders arriving within minutes.

• Ambulances: 10+

• Medical Professionals: Paramedics, EMTs, trauma surgeons.

• Effectiveness: While the situation was chaotic, the emergency response was generally considered effective in mitigating the severity of the injuries.

Investigation and Aftermath

A full police investigation is underway to determine the precise cause of the accident and any potential contributing factors. Authorities are examining the driver's medical records and potential mechanical issues with the vehicle.

• Investigation Status: Ongoing
• Driver Information: The driver's identity has been partially released, awaiting further court proceedings. Their motives are currently under investigation.
• Stadium Security: The incident has prompted calls for a review of security protocols around Camp Nou stadium and at other major sporting venues across Spain. There will be a thorough review of pedestrian safety measures and crowd control procedures.
• Reaction: Both FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol have released statements expressing their concern and support for the injured fans. La Liga also commented on the incident, emphasizing the importance of spectator safety.

Impact on Future Matches

Following this tragic event, significant changes are likely to be implemented to enhance spectator safety at future Barcelona-Espanyol matches and other large-scale sporting events. This will likely involve a reassessment of pedestrian access routes, improved crowd management strategies, and potentially increased security personnel presence around the stadium perimeter. Lessons learned from this incident will be shared among sporting event organizers across Spain and globally to improve security practices at similar events.

Public Reaction and Calls for Change: The incident has sparked intense public discussion about spectator safety at sporting events. Many are calling for stricter regulations, improved infrastructure, and enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

Conclusion

The car crash outside the Barcelona-Espanyol match resulted in 13 injuries, highlighting the vulnerability of spectators at large sporting events. The incident underscores the critical need for robust security measures and emergency response plans. The ongoing investigation will shed more light on the cause and provide lessons for enhancing spectator safety in the future. This Barcelona-Espanyol match incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness and proactive measures to protect attendees at all sporting events.

Call to Action: Stay informed about the latest developments in the investigation of this tragic Barcelona-Espanyol match incident and the ongoing efforts to improve spectator safety at major sporting events. Follow us for updates.