13 Injured After Car Plows Into Crowd Outside Barcelona Football Match

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 17, 2025

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Details of the Incident

The accident occurred on Carrer d'Arístides Maillol, a street adjacent to the Camp Nou stadium, just as many fans were leaving the stadium after the Barcelona vs. Sevilla match. A silver Volkswagen Golf, driven by a 38-year-old man identified as Javier Garcia, veered off the road and careened into a large group of pedestrians.

• Precise Location: Carrer d'Arístides Maillol, near the Camp Nou stadium's south-east corner.
• Time of Incident: Approximately 8:45 PM, shortly after the final whistle of the football match.
• Vehicle Description: A silver Volkswagen Golf, registration number [Insert Registration Number if available].
• Occupants: The driver, Javier Garcia, was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
• Eyewitness Accounts: Initial eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos, with screams and people scattering as the car sped uncontrollably into the crowd. Several witnesses reported that the car appeared to be traveling at a high rate of speed.
• Contributing Factors: While the investigation is ongoing, initial reports suggest the driver may have experienced a sudden medical episode. However, toxicology reports are pending to rule out other contributing factors, such as alcohol or drug impairment. Police are also investigating whether mechanical failure played a role in the accident.

Injuries and Casualties

Thirteen people sustained injuries ranging from minor bruises and lacerations to serious fractures and head trauma. The severity of the injuries varied greatly among the victims.

• Number of Injured: 13
• Severity of Injuries: Injuries ranged from minor to critical, with several victims requiring immediate surgery.
• Hospital Treatment: Multiple ambulances rushed to the scene, transporting the injured to Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and other nearby hospitals.
• Victim Demographics: The victims were a mix of ages and nationalities, predominantly Barcelona football fans leaving the match. (Specific details may not be released to protect the privacy of the victims).
• Fatalities: Thankfully, there were no fatalities reported in this pedestrian accident.

Emergency Response and Investigation

Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident. The rapid response time is credited with preventing further serious injuries or fatalities.

• Emergency Response Time: Emergency services arrived within minutes of the incident being reported.
• Number of Emergency Vehicles: Numerous ambulances, police cars, and fire trucks were dispatched to the scene.
• Police Investigation: The Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan police) are leading the investigation, focusing on determining the cause of the accident. The driver, Javier Garcia, has been arrested and is currently assisting with the inquiry. Charges are pending the conclusion of the investigation.
• Witness Interviews: Police are actively interviewing eyewitnesses to gather further information about the events leading up to the car crash.

Reaction and Aftermath

The incident has sparked widespread shock and outrage across Barcelona and beyond. The football community expressed sympathy for those injured.

• Public Reaction: Social media platforms were flooded with messages of concern and support for the victims, many expressing their shock at the incident.
• Barcelona FC Statement: FC Barcelona released an official statement expressing their deepest sympathy for those injured and offering their full cooperation with the investigation. They also emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of fans attending their matches.
• Security Concerns: The accident has raised serious concerns about pedestrian safety around the Camp Nou stadium and other large sporting venues. Calls for enhanced security measures and improved traffic management have been made.
• Preventative Measures: Discussions are underway regarding improved crowd control measures, stricter traffic regulations in areas surrounding the stadium during and after matches, and the potential for pedestrian-only zones to enhance safety during large events.

Conclusion

The car crash outside the Barcelona football match tragically injured 13 people, highlighting the critical need for enhanced safety measures around large public gatherings. The incident has sparked a major police investigation, public outrage, and calls for improved safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies. The driver's actions and the contributing factors leading to this pedestrian accident remain under investigation.

Call to Action: Stay informed about the ongoing investigation and the steps being taken to prevent future incidents involving cars plowing into crowds outside Barcelona football matches and other major events. Follow reputable news sources for updates on this developing story and learn about pedestrian safety measures in crowded areas to stay safe.