Chaos in Barcelona: Car Rams Crowd Before El Clásico Rivalry Match, Leaving 13 Injured
Barcelona, Spain - A scene of chaos unfolded outside the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on Saturday as a car veered out of control and crashed into a crowd gathered for the highly anticipated La Liga match between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona. According to police reports, at least 13 people sustained injuries in the incident, sparking immediate concern and prompting a swift response from emergency services.
The incident occurred just hours before the kickoff of the 'El Clásico' rivalry match, one of the most watched games in the world. Thousands of fans had congregated outside the stadium, creating a festive atmosphere. However, this atmosphere was shattered when the driver of a vehicle, whose identity and motivations remain under investigation, suddenly lost control and accelerated into the crowd.
“We are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident,” stated a spokesperson for the Mossos d'Esquadra, the Catalan police force. “Our priority is to ensure the safety of everyone involved and to determine exactly what happened.” Initial reports suggest the driver may have experienced a medical emergency, although this has not been officially confirmed.
Victims and Response
The injured individuals were quickly attended to by paramedics at the scene, and several were transported to nearby hospitals for further treatment. While the extent of the injuries varies, authorities have confirmed that none are considered life-threatening. Eyewitness accounts describe a terrifying moment as people scrambled to escape the vehicle.
“It was just so sudden,” said one fan who witnessed the incident. “One minute we were cheering and excited for the game, and the next, a car was heading straight for us. People were screaming and running everywhere.”
Match Postponed
In light of the incident, La Liga officials have announced the postponement of the Espanyol vs. Barcelona match. A new date for the fixture will be announced in due course. The decision was made to prioritize the well-being of fans and to allow authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, and police are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses to piece together a complete picture of what transpired. The incident has sent shockwaves through the football community and prompted widespread expressions of concern for those affected.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. The focus remains on supporting those who were injured and ensuring a thorough investigation to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The world of football mourns the disruption and concern caused by this tragic event.