A sightseeing excursion in Barcelona turned tragic on Monday, 3rd March, when a tour bus carrying cruise passengers was struck by another bus transporting Italian students.
The collision, which occurred on Avinguda Diagonal near the Sagrada Familia, left at least 53 people injured, including four – among them a child – who remain in critical condition.
The accident took place around 3 pm local time, as the Autocares Julià-operated tour bus was parked in a designated passenger drop-off zone.
The second bus, carrying students from Messina, Sicily, reportedly swerved to avoid a pedestrian who was illegally crossing the street, colliding with the stationary tour bus with enough force to push it onto the sidewalk, where it hit a tree and a lamppost.
A 60-year-old pedestrian was also struck in the incident, though it remains unclear whether they were the one who initially caused the crash or an unfortunate bystander caught in the chaos.
Emergency services quickly responded, with 19 ambulances, 10 firefighter units, and multiple police officers deployed to assist the injured.
Deputy Mayor Albert Batlle, speaking from the scene, confirmed the injuries:
“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.”
The injured were transported to local hospitals, and the buses were removed from the site by 7.30 pm.
Impact on cruise passengers
The cruise passengers onboard the bus were of various nationalities, with most being British, German, or Italian, according to Autocares Julià.
“They were on a cruise liner which had arrived in Barcelona earlier today and was due to leave in the next few hours,” a company spokesperson told The Mirror.
Two cruise ships were docked in Barcelona Cruise Port on the day of the crash: Costa Toscana (Costa Cruises) and Star Legend (Windstar Cruises).
Catalonian regional president Salvador Illa addressed the accident on social media:
“Very concerned and awaiting the situation of the accident between two buses in Barcelona. I am in permanent contact with Mayor Jaume Collboni and the emergency services, whom I thank for their quick action. All my support to those affected.”
Barcelona has already imposed restrictions on cruise ships since October 2023, limiting where vessels can dock to combat pollution and overcrowding.
Mayor Jaume Collboni has since pushed for further restrictions, citing concerns over mass tourism.
With this tourist bus accident being one of several in recent months, some believe it could strengthen the movement to curb visitor numbers – and potentially tighten cruise ship regulations even further.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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