What started as a buzzing build-up to one of Spain’s toughest football rivalries took a terrifying turn when a car slammed into a crowd of Espanyol supporters near the RCDE Stadium on Sunday. Fans had gathered to welcome their team ahead of the derby clash against Barcelona, but the festive mood quickly turned into panic.
Shocking footage showed a white vehicle suddenly veering into the crowd just outside the stadium, scattering fans who had been waiting for the Espanyol team bus. Some were seen screaming, others bloodied and shaken, as the chaos unfolded just hours before kickoff.
Police Respond, Injuries Reported
Catalan police confirmed that the incident injured 15 people, though none are in critical condition. Seven ambulances rushed to the scene, treating the injured and transporting several to nearby hospitals. Spanish outlet Marca reported that a woman driver lost control of the car and police arrested her.
Eyewitnesses described sheer panic as the vehicle approached. Some fans pelted the car with drinks in a desperate attempt to stop it, while others tried to pull people out of harm’s way. The footage shows the moment the vehicle charges toward the crowd, sparking screams and a scramble to safety.
Esto es muy GRAVE. Qué vergüenza. Agresiones y atropello masivo. Lo que ha ocurrido en la previa entre Espanyol y FC Barcelona. pic.twitter.com/jB7L08gXA8
— Álvaro Borrego (@alvaritomfs) May 15, 2025
Although early fears pointed to a possible deliberate attack, investigators now believe the crash was accidental. Police are treating the case as a loss of control rather than an intentional act, but the investigation remains ongoing.
During the match, Espanyol made a public announcement inside the stadium, assuring supporters that they controlled the situation and no life-threatening injuries had occurred.
The derby itself carried added tension, as Barcelona had already clinched the LaLiga title. They went on to beat Espanyol 2–0, but the incident outside overshadowed the result for many.
What should’ve been a passionate pre-match gathering turned into a nightmare for fans, reminding everyone just how quickly a moment of celebration can spiral into something far more frightening. As supporters recover from the shock, the incident leaves many with physical and emotional bruises from a night they’ll never forget.
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