More than fifty people were injured, four critically, when two buses collided on Barcelona's Diagonal Avenue at midday on March 3, 2025. The accident, which occurred near the intersection of Roger de Llúria and Rosselló streets, has compelled emergency teams to respond swiftly. The Servei d'Emergències Mèdiques (SEM) reported treating 63 individuals with injuries of varying severity, with 51 needing to be transported to various medical facilities.
According to municipal sources, the collision happened when one bus, operated by F. Canals, collided with another parked bus from the company Julià. The Julià bus was temporarily stationary to pick up passengers bound for a cruise departing from the Port of Barcelona at 6:30 PM. The impact pushed the Julià bus several meters forward, leading to its collision with both a tree and a lamppost. A total of 12 people escaped the accident unscathed.
The F. Canals bus was transporting Italian students who were staying at hotels in Lloret de Mar for their trip to Barcelona. Several passengers aboard this bus sustain serious injuries, including three critically injured, one of whom is under 18. Among the critically injured is also a pedestrian who was struck by the lamppost toppled during the crash, highlighting the collision’s impact beyond just the passengers.
A swift response from emergency services saw ten units from the Barcelona Fire Brigade and numerous ambulances on-site to handle the immediate aftermath. The police presence included the Guardia Urbana and the Mossos d'Esquadra, leading to crowd control and securing the area. "Emergency responders arrived quickly, establishing secure zones and providing immediate care to the injured," stated officials from SEM.
The four critically injured individuals were rapidly evacuated to multiple hospitals: one was taken to Hospital Clínic, another to Hospital Sant Pau, and the third to Hospital del Mar, with the fourth severely injured passenger sent to Vall d'Hebron Hospital. Among the injured is also the bus driver of the F. Canals vehicle who had to be extricated from the wreckage, as reported by firefighters at the scene.
Sources indicate the bus involved was correctly positioned at licensed drop-off points, with both buses operating during peak tourist traffic hours. The Julià company released a statement clarifying their role and the specifics of the incident, underscoring their cooperation with emergency services. "The accident affected one of our buses engaged in authorized passenger services for cruise travelers, who were boarding at the time of the collision," read the statement.
Many of the tourists were heading off on excursions across the city, including guests of Costa Cruises. One of the injured was noted to be the tour guide, who was severely hurt during the incident. He was recognized for his efforts to assist the students at the time of the crash. The majority of the injured are reportedly Italian, highlighting how the incident has deeply affected international visitors.
The affected area faced significant traffic disruptions as multiple bus routes were altered due to the blockage caused by the collision. Notably, lines H8, V17, X1, 6, 22, 24, 33, 34, and 47 saw delays and reroutes, prompting the municipality to encourage alternate travel plans. The street was reopened later after debris was cleared and the buses were removed. The increased presence of ambulances and emergency personnel was also noted by citizens passing by, leading to public concern over passenger safety.
President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, expressed his deep concern over the accident via social media, stating, "I am closely monitoring the situation following the bus accident in Barcelona. I am grateful for the rapid response of local emergency services and urge support for those affected by this tragic event." Illa's sentiment resonates within the community, reflective of collective anxiety about urban transport safety.
Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the incident. Eyewitness accounts suggest the second bus may have failed to stop adequately before the collision, prompting introductions of initial safety inspections for bus operators along urban routes. With two major transport companies and numerous tourists involved, the incident emphasizes the need for rigorous oversight of urban transport systems to prevent such accidents from recurring, raising questions about safety standards.
The City Council's official notes indicated they will analyze around-the-clock safety measures enforced along the streets of Barcelona, particularly the Diagonal avenue, known for its passenger services. Both tourist companies involved are cooperating fully with this investigation to provide all necessary information. A clearer picture of the responsibilities concerning passenger safety will emerge as findings from the investigation are made public.
The incident has raised awareness around passenger transport safety regulations, particularly concerning how bus operations manage pickup and drop-off locations congested with foot traffic.
The aftermath of the bus collision serves as more than just statistics. It reflects the urgent need to focus on public safety and the responsibility carried by transportation entities. The immediate and instinctive response from across the community, including the emergency services, symbolizes the dedication of numerous individuals working together to serve both locals and visitors alike.
With the collective efforts of emergency services, public officials, and the testimony of eye-witnesses, the hope is to prevent future incidents. The tragic events serve as sobering reminders of the vulnerabilities inherent to urban transit systems.