Car Plows Into Espanyol Fans Outside RCDE Stadium Ahead of Barcelona Derby, Leaving 15 Injured

Chaos Outside RCDE Stadium as Car Hits Crowd Before Espanyol-Barcelona Derby

What was supposed to be one of the most electrifying nights in Spanish football suddenly turned into chaos just outside RCDE Stadium on May 15, 2025. As thousands of Espanyol fans gathered in anticipation for the high-stakes La Liga clash against Barcelona, a car abruptly accelerated into the waiting crowd, injuring at least 15 people. The shock of the moment hung heavy in the air, overshadowing the excitement of a derby that was meant to crown the league’s new champion.

The incident unfolded in the lead-up to kickoff, with Espanyol supporters packing the area to welcome their team’s bus. Over 34,000 fans had made their way to the stadium, according to organizers. Suddenly, a vehicle driven by a man believed to be between 45 and 55 years old surged forward. Eyewitnesses say it struck a young girl in the initial collision. In the commotion that followed, panicked reactions from the crowd may have prompted the driver to attempt a hasty escape, worsening the carnage as he struck more people in the dense mass of fans.

Local police confirmed 15 confirmed injuries, with four people left in serious condition requiring hospitalization. Three children were among those hurt, taken to the nearby Sant Joan de Déu hospital for treatment described as mild but nonetheless distressing for families. Emergency medical teams worked swiftly outside the stadium, stabilizing the wounded and calming frightened bystanders while security forces quickly closed in to detain the driver.

Questions Over Motive as Investigation Unfolds

As fans inside the stadium nervously awaited updates, officials made several announcements to reassure the crowd about ongoing safety and the presence of medical teams. Despite early concerns that the match would be postponed, the showdown between Espanyol and Barcelona kicked off on schedule. Observers noted a tense atmosphere, as whispers of the crash circulated through the stands and many supporters anxiously checked their phones for news from outside.

The match itself saw Barcelona claim a 2–0 victory, sealing the La Liga title. But for many, the result seemed almost secondary to the troubling events that had taken place just meters from the entrance. While the driver was quickly taken into custody, authorities remain tight-lipped on whether this was a tragic accident or a calculated attack. Police say the investigation is active and they are working to reconstruct the moments before and after the crash, calling on witnesses and reviewing security footage for answers.

Eyewitness reports offer a tangled picture: some indicate the driver appeared confused or panicked after hitting the child, while others saw signs of deliberate acceleration into the throng. Families rushed to the scene and officials on-site were forced to rapidly coordinate with both medical professionals and crisis response teams to manage the aftermath.

For a passionate football city where matches between Espanyol and Barcelona often stir intense rivalry, the events of May 15 have raised uncomfortable questions about crowd safety and emergency planning at big sporting occasions. As the league season wraps up, investigators will be pressed to provide answers—and fans hope for swift recoveries for those caught up in the tragedy outside the stadium.