At least 51 people were injured, including a minor, with four in critical condition after two tourist buses collided on a busy street in Barcelona on Monday, officials said.
The incident occurred when one bus crashed into another that was parked and boarding passengers on Avinguda Diagonal, one of Barcelona’s major thoroughfares, Deputy Mayor Albert Batlle said at the scene.
“There are four critically injured, including a minor, and three less seriously injured. The rest have suffered less serious injuries for which they are being treated in various hospitals in Barcelona,” he added.
The initial report had indicated 34 injured individuals, which was later revised upward.
The passengers comprised cruise ship tourists heading to the “Sagrada Familia basilica” and Italian students from a nearby locality. The stationary bus was carrying the cruise tourists when the collision occurred.
Officials have launched an investigation to determine the accident’s cause.
The incident coincided with heavy rainfall across Spain, which disrupted traffic in Barcelona during the opening of the Mobile World Congress (MWC), an international wireless technology event expecting approximately 100,000 visitors.
Among the critically wounded were a pedestrian and a 17-year-old bus passenger, confirmed Clara Canela, spokesperson for Catalonia’s emergency services.
The response team included 19 ambulances and four groups of psychological support professionals.