14 injured in car accident incident outside Espanyol-Barcelona match

BARCELONA — Tensions flared among fans of Espanyol and Barcelona ahead of their La Liga match at the RCDE Stadium, culminating in a car-related accident that injured 14 spectators. The incident occurred in southern Barcelona as fans gathered outside the stadium for the highly anticipated derby match, part of La Liga’s 36th round. 

Preliminary reports revealed that a car drove into a group of Espanyol supporters. While initial accounts speculated on the driver’s intent, authorities later clarified that the crash was accidental. 

Eyewitnesses provided conflicting accounts, with some alleging that the driver, a woman, deliberately targeted the crowd, while others described her as elderly and suggested she lost control of the vehicle. Catalan police confirmed that none of the injuries sustained were life-threatening. 

Police swiftly arrested the driver and conducted an alcohol test, ruling out intentional hostility. Authorities released a statement attributing the incident to a loss of vehicle control and emphasized that the situation was under control. 

The accident occurred amid heightened emotions between fans of the two rival teams, who had gathered outside the stadium ahead of the match. Despite the disruption, the derby proceeded as scheduled. 

The incident highlights the importance of ensuring safety measures during large sporting events, particularly those involving intense rivalries.