A bus collided with a car on the outskirts of Barcelona and plunged 20 metres down an embankment, leaving at least 41 people injured, with 20 described as in a serious condition. The vehicle came to rest in undergrowth at the bottom of a ravine in Fogars de Montclús, prompting a major emergency response.
Emergency services deployed to the scene
Police were called to reports of the accident at 4.43pm local time on the BVC-5514 road, which is now closed to traffic in Fogars de Montclús, near Sant Celoni. A total of 15 ambulances, two medical helicopters and rescue teams have been deployed to the area.
The local authority stated on X: "Due to an accident between a car and a bus, the SEM (Catalan ambulance service) has activated 15 ambulances, 2 medicalized helicopters and 3 joint SEM-@bomberscat teams."
Casualties and assistance for those affected
The first units are already on site and have begun assisting the passengers. As of now, at least 41 people have been assessed, 20 of whom are in serious condition. An emergency reception centre has been set up in Can Ramis, in Sant Celoni, to assist those affected by the crash.
The bus company Sagales has confirmed that it was one of its vehicles on the 573 route which crashed. It stated on X: "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."
Company and regional government respond
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."
The President of the Catalonia regional government, Salvador Illa, says he is following the incident "with great concern" and remains in contact with the ministers Nuria Parlón and Olga Pané for updates. He added: "All my support to the people affected and my gratitude to the emergency services for their work."
