Catalan Derby Horror
Barcelona Spain A high-stakes football rivalry turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy on Sunday evening, as a massive hit-and-run incident unfolded just minutes before the Catalan derby between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona at the RCDE Stadium.
According to early reports a vehicle plowed into a crowd of fans gathered near the entrance of the stadium resulting in multiple injuries and sparking panic in the packed streets surrounding the venue. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying moment as an “atropello masivo” a mass pedestrian accident that has now become a trending topic across Spain and Catalonia.
Chaos Strikes Just Before Kickoff
The incident occurred in the Cornellà de Llobregat district the home of RCDE Stadium, where thousands of supporters had gathered in anticipation of the fiercely competitive Catalan derby. Security officials and emergency services were quickly deployed to the scene.
“People were running and screaming. We thought it was an attack” said one FC Barcelona supporter moments after escaping the scene.
While the exact motive behind the hit and-run remains under investigation authorities have not ruled out foul play or reckless driving. Given the proximity to a major football event security protocols were immediately tightened across the stadium perimeter.
Emergency Response and Injuries
Local health services confirmed that at least 14 people were injured, with three in critical condition. Victims were rushed to nearby hospitals including Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge and Hospital de Sant Joan de Déu, both of which have experience handling large-scale emergencies.
Police are still searching for the driver of the vehicle who reportedly fled the scene. Surveillance footage from nearby traffic and security cameras is being analyzed.
“We are treating this incident with the utmost seriousness” said a spokesperson for Mossos d’Esquadra the Catalan police.
Impact on the Catalan Derby
Despite the tragedy the match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol kicked off as scheduled albeit under an Atmosphere of tension and subdued excitement. Many Fans took to social media to express outrage over the decision while others praised the players for continuing in solidarity with the victims.
Stadium security was visibly intensified with sniffer Dogs bomb squad, and Riot police present throughout the match.
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What We Know So Far
- Location: RCDE Stadium Cornellà de Llobregat Barcelona
- Time: Incident occurred ~1 hour before kickoff of Catalan derby
- Casualties: At least 14 injured 3 critical
- Suspect: Driver fled scene; search underway
- Security: Emergency lockdowns and expanded perimeter checks
Football, Tragedy, and the Need for Tighter Security
The Catalan derby has historically drawn massive crowds and heightened Emotions but this mass run over in Barcelona has added a grim chapter to the football rivalry. As Questions around matchday security and crowd control resurface the tragedy highlights the vulnerabilities at high attendance sports events.
With the Spain still grappling with the aftermath of the incident experts are urging tighter regulations and robust infrastructure to protect fans.
Call to Action
Were you at the RCDE Stadium during the Catalan derby?