Sant Joan 2025: One dead, baby seriously injured, and 245 minor fires reported

A 25-year-old man died on Wednesday during the celebrations of Sant Joan after falling from the wall of the Seu Vella in Lleida.

The incident, which occurred around 1 am, is being investigated as an accidental fall. The young man was with a group who, according to police, showed clear signs of intoxication.

He was the only fatality of the night, which also saw other tragic incidents.

In Palau-Solità i Plegamans, near Barcelona, a one-month-old baby suffered serious first- and second-degree burns caused by a firecracker.

In another serious event, a man in Castelló d’Empúries (Girona) sustained severe injuries after his vehicle caught fire while he was inside.

These were the most serious incidents reported on Monday night during the Sant Joan celebrations.

The night, one of the busiest for emergency services, saw Catalonia illuminated by fireworks, bonfires, and street parties.

Several minor fires

Throughout the night, the Catalan fire service, the Bombers, responded to over 1,300 emergency calls.

According to Inspector José Luis López, this figure is significantly higher than last year’s, where less than 900 incidents were recorded.

A total of 245 vegetation fires and 234 fires involving urban property were recorded.

A few residential fires also occurred, some affecting personal belongings, though none were classified as severe.

Despite the high volume of activity, Inspector López emphasized that no major emergencies were reported during the night, especially considering this year’s high wildfire risk.

92,000 people on Barcelona beaches

One of the main hotspots of the Sant Joan celebrations in Catalonia is Barcelona’s beaches, where thousands gather to mark the night.

This year, the night concluded with approximately 92,000 people along the Catalan capital’s coastline.

Councillor for Security Albert Batlle reported that the Catalan police Mossos d’Esquadra and local police Guàrdia Urbana arrested 33 individuals in Barcelona.

Throughout the night, police received 367 incident reports.

Batlle also highlighted the success of reopening the beaches, with cleaning teams removing 65 tonnes of waste.

Arrests and traffic accidents

Across the rest of Catalonia, the Mossos d'Esquadra arrested a total of 105 people, 32 of whom were directly related to the celebrations.

Most arrests were for crimes against property, while 12 were for gender-based violence and 7 for assault.

Regarding traffic incidents, no fatalities or severe accidents were reported.

There were 25 traffic accidents in total, resulting in 9 minor injuries and one serious injury.

Authorities conducted 157 alcohol tests, 17 of which were criminal offenses.

The 112 emergency hotline received over 12,000 calls during the night, marking a 65% increase compared to last year.