A serious bus collision occurred on the afternoon of March 3, 2025, at approximately 2:57 PM on Diagonal Avenue, Barcelona, resulting in multiple injuries. The incident involved two tourist buses, one operated by Julià, carrying cruise tourists, and another operated by Canals, which had Italian students returning to Lloret de Mar after visiting Barcelona. Initial reports indicate there were 63 people attended at the scene and 51 confirmed injuries, including four individuals reported as critically hurt.
The accident took place at number 361 on Avenida Diagonal, very close to the Casa de les Punxes. The first bus was stopped at the time, waiting for passengers to disembark when it was struck from behind by the second bus, which also crashed onto the sidewalk, leading to significant damages and injuries. Eyewitness accounts described the sound of the collision echoing throughout the area, leaving many onlookers shocked.
According to reports from the System of Medical Emergencies (SEM), emergency services quickly dispatched 19 ambulances to the site, as well as ten fire brigade units. The injuries ranged from superficial to severe, with most victims treated for minor ailments. Particularly concerning were four individuals critically injured, including one minor, who were immediately transported to local hospitals such as Hospital Clínic, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu.
Albert Batlle, the Deputy Mayor of Security, addressed the press stating, "... of the 51 injured, four of them are critically wounded." Some of those seriously hurt were on the bus, but one victim was identified as being on foot at the time of the incident. Emergency personnel worked diligently, reportedly freeing one person still trapped within one of the buses as the chaos unfolded.
Clara Canela, the SEM representative, commented, "... one of the injured was taken to Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, and another two were taken to Hospital del Mar and Hospital Sant Pau." She emphasized the swift response of medical workers, including the deployment of psychological support teams to assist both victims and witnesses experiencing emotional distress from the incident.
Officials confirmed the crash site was within a designated stop zone where buses are typically allowed to load and unload passengers. Following the collision, traffic was severely disrupted along this major corridor as recovery teams operated, with the local transportation authority changing routes for numerous bus lines including H8, V17, X1, 6, 22, 24, 33, 34, 39, and 47 due to the blockage.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the precise circumstances surrounding the crash. Currently, it is unclear why the first bus halted unexpectedly, and the conditions leading up to the collision remain under scrutiny. It had been reported to the media by those familiar with the investigation process, stating, "... the impact was heard throughout the area, detailing the shock faced by witnesses." Both drivers involved underwent alcohol and drug tests, returning negative results, which suggests impairment was not a factor.
The incident has instantly raised concerns about the safety of tourist transport operations within the city, highlighting the necessity for thorough evaluations of current practices and infrastructure to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again. On the scene, officials monitored the situation, ensuring the area was secure and providing support to those affected.
Overall, the collision has underscored the potential dangers associated with passenger transport, particularly at busy locations frequented by tourists and locals alike. Citizens have been reminded of safety measures, and the municipal government has pledged to review existing policies to improve safety for all road users. This unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the impacts of traffic accidents.