A serious bus accident occurred in the Spanish city of Barcelona on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, resulting in dozens of injuries. The accident took place on the C-32 motorway between Santa Susanna and Palafolls when a bus carrying 60 passengers from the textile company Inditex crashed and came to a stop vertically in front of a tunnel.
The accident happened around 9:00 a.m. when the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with the side wall of the tunnel. Due to the speed of the bus, it ended up in an upright position, causing significant injuries to many of the passengers. Authorities reported that 52 of the 60 passengers required medical attention, with three in critical condition, including the bus driver.
Emergency services were quick to respond, with 24 firefighters, two helicopters, and around 15 ambulances on site to assist the injured and remove dangerous areas from the road. The three critically injured individuals were airlifted to the hospital, while five others were transported by ambulance. The remaining injured passengers received on-site medical treatment.
Videos circulating on social media showed the bus standing vertically in front of the tunnel, a sight that shocked many. Initial reports suggest that a tire burst while the bus was in motion, causing the driver to lose control and skid. The safety barrier on the side of the road then propelled the bus into the air, leading to its vertical position.
The passengers, all employees of Inditex, which owns popular brands like Zara, Bershka, and Massimo Dutti, were en route to a factory in Tordera. The C-32 motorway remained closed for several hours following the accident as authorities worked to clear the scene and investigate the cause. The tunnel's damage is still being assessed.
This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with road travel. Last year, a similar bus accident in Venice resulted in the deaths of three Germans, and earlier this year, a serious bus accident in Germany claimed multiple lives. The frequency of such accidents underscores the need for stringent safety measures and regular vehicle maintenance to prevent future tragedies.
