Thirteen injured as car accidentally drives into crowd outside soccer match

In a shocking incident in Barcelona, Spain, a driver lost control and crashed into a crowd that had gathered outside a professional soccer match on May 15, 2025. The police reported that at least 13 people sustained injuries as a result of the collision, prompting urgent responses from emergency services. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic when a white vehicle drove through a public area adjacent to the RCDE Stadium, where a match between FC Barcelona and Espanyol was taking place. Fortunately, authorities confirmed that the injuries experienced by those involved were largely minor, with the severity of the injuries ranging from minor to less serious conditions, providing some solace in such a distressing event. The local police arrested the driver of the vehicle in the aftermath and stated that the incident posed no threat to the match attendees or other individuals in the vicinity. Salvador Illa, the regional president of Catalonia, emphasized the low severity of the injuries and the non-deliberate nature of the event. Initial estimates suggested that the number of people hurt could have been around seven or eight, but later evaluations raised this figure to 13. Emergency services were swift in providing medical assistance to the victims, confirming their treatment. The situation was declared under control by the authorities, alleviating immediate concerns about the safety of individuals still present at the stadium during the ongoing match. As police maintained a large presence around the area, they reassured the public through social media that there was no further risk. The match itself, which was crucial for both teams in terms of league standings, concluded with FC Barcelona achieving victory over Espanyol with a score of 2-0, securing their position as champions of La Liga for the 2024-25 season. This match held significant importance, as Barcelona eyed this victory to clinch the title while Espanyol struggled to avoid relegation. The intense rivalry between the two clubs, deeply rooted in Spanish culture and politics, added an extra layer of emotion to the event. Players faced their own drama during the game, with Espanyol's defender Leandro Cabrera receiving a red card after a foul on Barcelona's rising star Lamine Yamal late in the match. The celebration of Barcelona’s championship was slightly overshadowed by the earlier incident, yet the spirits remained high as fans and players alike engaged in the traditional jubilant embrace of victory on such an important occasion. The account of the incident continues to raise concerns about crowd safety at large events. As investigations are ongoing, the public and media reflect on the significance of ensuring safety measures are in place to avoid similar occurrences in the future. This situation has renewed discussions about the responsibilities of both vehicle drivers and event organizers in maintaining a secure atmosphere for spectators, particularly in settings marked by intense excitement and rivalry.