Tragedy Strikes Before Espanyol vs Barcelona Derby as Panic Sparks Mass Casualty
What was meant to be a night of high-stakes football excitement quickly turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy outside the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà de Llobregat, just before the much-anticipated clash between Espanyol and FC Barcelona. As thousands of fans were making their way to witness the Catalan derby, a horrifying incident unfolded—one that has shaken the local community and cast a dark shadow over the match.
At approximately 9:02 PM, moments before kickoff, a vehicle driven by a 41-year-old woman plowed into a crowd of fans gathered near the stadium. According to official sources and eyewitness accounts, the woman, driving a Peugeot 208, lost control of her vehicle after reportedly experiencing a severe panic attack. Surrounded by a crowd that had begun to react aggressively—some even throwing objects and breaking the car’s windows—she panicked and suddenly accelerated into the dense crowd.
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Seventeen people were injured in the incident, thirteen of whom were transported to local hospitals. Initially, none of the injuries appeared life-threatening. However, as updates came in from hospital sources and local radio broadcasts, it was later confirmed that one man remains in critical condition in the ICU. This tragic turn has amplified concerns about fan safety and the emotional state of the driver involved, who tested negative for both alcohol and drugs.
The Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia’s regional police force, swiftly detained the woman and are conducting a full investigation. Reports indicate she had no intention to harm but was instead overwhelmed by fear, as she tried to escape the pressure of a hostile crowd.
Despite the incident, the match went on. The RCDE Stadium issued an immediate announcement over the PA system, reassuring attendees that the situation was under control and there was no further danger. This message allowed the game to proceed without interruption—although the emotional weight of what happened lingered in the air. Some players from Espanyol even admitted they only learned of the incident during halftime, highlighting how quickly events spiraled before kickoff.
The Espanyol club has since issued a heartfelt message expressing support and solidarity with all those affected. In a time where football is supposed to bring joy and unity, this shocking accident serves as a somber reminder of how fast situations can escalate when fear, stress, and crowds collide. The thoughts of fans across Spain are now with the injured and their families, especially the man still fighting for his life.
As investigations continue, the focus now shifts from rivalry on the pitch to solidarity off it—a moment where sportsmanship takes a backseat to shared humanity.
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