Thirteen people were injured when a car plowed into a crowd of fans outside the RCDE Stadium before Thursday’s La Liga derby between Espanyol and Barcelona. The incident occurred as Espanyol supporters gathered to welcome their team’s coach ahead of the match, which saw Barcelona secure a 2-0 victory and clinch the La Liga title.
Police reported that four of the injured were hospitalized, though none sustained serious injuries. The most severe case was a broken leg. Ten ambulances were dispatched to the scene to provide medical assistance.
The driver of the car was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and causing injury. Videos circulating on social media showed the vehicle, stopped between bins outside the stadium and surrounded by fans, suddenly accelerating into the crowd.
Authorities confirmed the incident posed no threat to spectators inside the stadium. The match was briefly delayed in its early stages as police briefed the referee on the situation.
Catalonia’s president, Salvador Illa, who attended the game, told Movistar Plus, “It was an accident, some people were injured, but not seriously. There are no major incidents to report.”
Barcelona police are continuing their investigation into the incident.