A bus crash near Barcelona, Spain, has left 83 people injured after the vehicle fell down a 20-metre (65-foot) embankment. Catalan medical emergency services confirmed the toll, with seven people in a serious condition, 18 moderately injured and 58 suffering minor injuries.
Details of the incident
The crash occurred on Sunday in Fogars de Monclus, near Barcelona, on the BV-5114 road. Spanish news agency EFE reported that the bus veered off a narrow, winding road before plunging down the embankment. A number of passengers were able to leave the bus and reach the road unaided.
Emergency services received at least 25 calls reporting the crash before rushing to the scene. A total of 23 ambulances and two medical helicopters were deployed, alongside three joint teams of firefighters and medical personnel and three psychological support units.
Investigation and rescue efforts
Authorities have launched an investigation to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the incident. Olga Pane, health minister of the Generalitat of Catalonia, confirmed that rescue teams were combing the surrounding area to determine whether any further victims remained unaccounted for. Catalonia's Corps of Firefighters announced that drones and sniffer dogs would also be deployed to ensure no casualties had been overlooked.
Bus operator Sagales confirmed that the vehicle belonged to its fleet and was operating on the 573 route at the time of the crash. In a post on X, the company stated: "Sagalés confirms that this afternoon a bus on line 573 Fogars de Montclús information centre - Santa Fe del Montseny was involved in an accident on the BV-5114 road, in Fogars de Montclús."
The company added: "From the very first moment, we have been collaborating with the emergency services and the competent authorities and we place ourselves at their disposal to provide all the necessary information to clarify the circumstances of the accident. Our priority at this time is the care of the affected passengers and driver."
