At Least 13 Dead After Barcelona Van Terrorist Attack
Officials in Barcelona have confirmed at least 13 people are dead and more than 100 injured after a van ploughed into crowds on a busy shopping street. Police are treating the incident as a terrorist attack.
Local officials confirmed that one man has been arrested in connection with the attack, and later stated a second person has also been detained.
Rail stations have been shut and nearby buildings have been evacuated. People were being told to stay away from the area.
Officers say a white van mounted a pavement and struck several people on Las Ramblas. Authorities initially described it as a "massive crash".
The Department of Foreign Affairs is monitoring developments closely as regards the incident in Barcelona through the Irish Embassy in Madrid and Ireland’s Honorary Consul in Barcelona.
Irish citizens in the vicinity of the incident are advised to follow the advice of local authorities, while anyone with concerns an contact the Consular Assistance team in the Department on 01-4082000 or the Irish Embassy in Madrid on +34 914364093.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar described the attack as 'callous, wanton and cowardly', while President Higgins said: "As President of Ireland I want to send the people of this great and welcoming city not only our sympathy but also the solidarity of the people of Ireland.”