Terrorism Confirmed as Van Ploughs into Crowd in Barcelona

UPDATE: August 18, 2017 - 10:45 AM EDT

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Canadians Among Those Killed or Injured in Barcelona Attacks

A second attack occurred in the seaside resort town of Cambrils, 110km southwest of Barcelona approximately eight hours after the Barcelona attack. According to the BBC, an Audi A3 car ploughed into pedestrians, killing one woman and injuring five other civilians and a police officer. The five attackers got out of the car when the vehicle overturned and were all shot dead by police. 

Travel organizations, among them the World Travel and tourism Council (WTTC), have denounced the attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils and showed solidarity with Spain. 

Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of the WTTC said: “I am extremely saddened to hear about these callous attacks in Spain, my heart goes out to the victims, their friends and families."

"Barcelona and Cambrils are two beautiful and strong tourist spots. The Travel & Tourism sector offers its full support to all those impacted--both destinations, Spain, and its people--as it is going through these difficult times," Guevara added.

UPDATE: August 17, 2017 - 3:45 PM EDT

According to the Associated Press, police in Barcelona have now confirmed that 12 people have died and over 80 wounded.

BREAKING: Catalonia's regional president gives casualty toll update: 12 dead, 80 hospitalized after Barcelona van attack.

— The Associated Press (@AP) August 17, 2017

BREAKING: Catalonia's regional president says there have been 2 arrests after Barcelona van attack.

— The Associated Press (@AP) August 17, 2017

The AP also stated police have apprehended two suspects in the attack.Meanwhile, a report from the BBC states that another suspect has been shot and killed by police outside of the city..

Suspect in #Barcelona van attack killed in shootout with police on the outskirts of the city, Spanish media report https://t.co/4hfY8ab2g9

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) August 17, 2017

TravelPulse Canada will continue to monitor the situation.

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Original Text

At least one person, and as many as 13, have been killed, and over 30 injured, after a van mounted the sidewalk and crashed into a crowd of people in Barcelona at approximately 5:30 PM local time Thursday. The incident took place on Las Ramblas, a hotspot in the center of Barcelona popular with tourists and locals alike.

Local news outlets reported that the driver then got out of the van and fled on foot and Spanish public broadcaster RTVE claims that one suspect has been arrested. Police, meanwhile, are searching for others who may have been involved.

During a press conference, Catalan Regional Interior chief, Joaquim Forn said “Unfortunately the number of fatalities will likely rise." according to CTV News,. Meanwhile, Spanish media, including Cadena SER radio station and television station TV3 both reported up to 13 dead.

Keith Fleming, a resident of Barcelona, told CTV News that he was watching TV in his building just off Las Ramblas when he heard a noise and when he went out to the balcony to investigate, said he saw "women and children just running and they looked terrified." Fleming, an American living in the city, says police then arrived and moved people a full block down the street.

Police closed off the area, ordering stores and transit stations closed and telling people to stay away from the area so at to not get in the way of emergency services.

Global Affairs Canada tweeted a warning to Canadians to avoid the area and provided contact information for Canadian Consular Services in Spain.

Spain: Avoid the #LasRamblas area of Barcelona. Monitor local media. Follow the instructions of authorities. https://t.co/igdg3Wa5Jn

— travel.gc.ca (@TravelGoC) August 17, 2017

Canadians in Spain – For emergency consular assistance, +34 93 270 3614 or sos@international.gc.ca #Barcelona

— travel.gc.ca (@TravelGoC) August 17, 2017

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, meanwhile, condemned today’s attack and offered the country’s sympathy and support.

Canada condemns today’s terror attack in Barcelona – our hearts, sympathies & support are with the victims and their families.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) August 17, 2017

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, whose own city was the target of multiple terror attacks earlier this year, at London Bridge, Borough Market, and a van attack on a mosque, also tweeted his support for Barcelona.

My thoughts are with the victims of this barbaric terrorist attack in the great city of Barcelona and with their brave emergency services.

— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) August 17, 2017

TravelPulse Canada will continue to follow the story. 

Additional updates provided by Donald Wood.

Follow @TravelPulseCA