Truck runs over many people in Barcelona; multiple wounded

Local Mossos Police treats the massive run over as "terrorist attack" and confirms 2 dead and more than 20 people injured

Police blocks upper part of Las Ramblas after massive run over by truck (Carlos Fernandez)
Police blocks upper part of Las Ramblas after massive run over by truck (Carlos Fernandez) / ACN

ACN | Barcelona

August 17, 2017 05:38 PM

A white van has run over several people on the Rambles in Barcelona this Thursday afternoon. According to Catalan Police, the vehicle was driven by a single individual and "ran over a lot of people".

The attack occurred a few minutes after 5pm near the central Plaça Catalunya and "there are possibly many wounded".

Civil Protection has asked people to avoid "going out on the street" in the area, and Police asked to avoid Las Ramblas to facilitate the rescue work. Civil Protection has also asked for the closing of all public transport stations in the area.

According to what ACN has been able to find out, there may be at least 25 injured to different degrees. 

Catalan Police echoed the request in order to not block emergency services. At the same time, they have asked for the Metro, FGC commuter rail and Renfe train stations to be closed in this central area of the city.

According to various witnesses, there were stampedes and fear and there are reports of gunshots. At first, the area around the Canaletes Fountain at the top of the Rambles was cordoned off, and then the restricted area was extended to Bergara Street, and circulation has been cut off in the direction of Plaça Universitat. A helicopter is flying overhead. In addition, the Procicat Alert has been activated.