A car ploughed into several people on a popular nightlife street in Albufeira, a British holiday hotspot, leaving 12 people injured. Shots were reportedly fired during the incident, which occurred in the early hours of August 25.
The alert was raised at approximately 3.13am along Rua Francisco Sá Carneiro in Albufeira's Oura nightlife district, according to the Algarve Sub-Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command. The victims include ten young people aged between 18 and 22, as well as two members of the GNR (National Republican Guard).
Victims and injuries
All victims suffered minor injuries, except for one young man who remains in serious condition. Among the injured are people of Portuguese and Scottish nationality.
The driver, aged 35, is believed to have been on holiday in Albufeira and had his car parked on the street. The GNR said the suspect disobeyed two stop orders and proceeded to ram into pedestrians and authorities, running over numerous people.
Arrest and alcohol level
In a bid to warn scared holidaymakers and locals, the GNR fired several warning shots. While trying to flee, the suspect collided with another car and then attempted to flee on foot, but was intercepted and arrested by the police.
The GNR said the suspect had a blood alcohol level of 1.29 g/l, well above Portugal's legal driving limit. A blood alcohol level exceeding 1.2 g/L is considered a criminal offence, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to one year.
Response and reaction
Those injured were taken to hospital by the Albufeira Fire Department, INEM (National Institute of Medical Emergency) and the Red Cross. They were transported to the Faro and Portimão Hospitals as well as the Albufeira Basic Emergency Service.
The Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, described the crash as a "serious incident". He said: "The Minister expresses his deep solidarity with the GNR officers and with all the young people affected and their families. They are closely monitoring the evolution of their health status and wishes them all a quick and full recovery."
Rui Cristina, the mayor of Albufeira, said this was an isolated incident. He said: "We know, we've already realized that this was an isolated incident." According to the mayor, the driver crashed through specialised barriers meant to stop vehicles before driving onto the pavements and veering onto the road. He stressed that a heavy police force remains in the area.
