Coach with 60 passengers overturns on C-32

A coach carrying approximately 60 passengers overturned near Santa Susanna, Barcelona, on Sunday, September 7  resulting in 10 injuries, two of which were serious. Of the passengers, 53 were attended by emergency services, with the remainder unharmed or suffering only minor injuries. The vehicle, which was travelling from Lloret de Mar to Barcelona-El Prat Airport, left the road and descended a slope, coming to rest in an area covered with dense vegetation. Most passengers were able to exit the coach unaided, while others were assisted by emergency personnel at the scene.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:20 pm on a coastal stretch of road in the Maresme region. Witnesses reported that the coach failed to follow a left-hand curve, continuing straight before leaving the road and tumbling down the embankment. The presence of dense vegetation on the slope helped reduce the severity of the accident. Officials, including Pep Colàs, deputy fire inspector, explained that the greenery cushioned the fall, preventing what could have been a far more serious tragedy. Colàs commented, “This was an accident that could have had very serious consequences, but fortunately it did not.”

Emergency services responded immediately. Eight ambulances, two medical helicopters, and several fire crews from the Bombers de la Generalitat were dispatched to provide urgent medical attention and to ensure the safe evacuation of passengers. The Mossos d’Esquadra, Cataluña’s regional police force, secured the area, redirected traffic, and assisted in managing the scene. Emergency teams stabilised passengers, administered first aid, and assessed the severity of injuries on site.

Of the 10 passengers who sustained injuries, two were classified as serious and taken to the Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol in Badalona. One passenger with less serious injuries was admitted to the Hospital de Mataró, while six others with minor injuries were taken to the Hospital de Calella. The remaining passengers, who were uninjured or sustained negligible injuries, were moved to the Can Xaubet sports pavilion in Pineda de Mar, where they received psychological support and assistance in arranging onward travel. The transport company also arranged an additional coach for passengers whose journeys were disrupted.

Consular officials were notified to provide assistance to any foreign nationals on board, although the identities and nationalities of passengers have not been publicly released.

The accident caused significant disruption to traffic in the area. Multiple lanes were temporarily closed to allow emergency services to work safely, and the road was reopened later in the afternoon, although one lane remained closed for some time to facilitate clearance and inspection. The Catalan Traffic Service (SCT) advised drivers to check road conditions and, where possible, use the AP-7 motorway as an alternative route to Barcelona and the surrounding metropolitan area. The Catalan civil protection agency, PROCICAT, was placed on pre-alert to coordinate the response among police, fire, and medical services, ensuring all operations were conducted efficiently. Authorities, including the Mossos d’Esquadra, launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Investigators are examining several potential factors, including the mechanical state of the coach, driver conduct, and road conditions at the time of the crash. Officials emphasised that no further risks were present and that all passengers had received necessary care. Emergency services confirmed that immediate medical attention was provided and that operations at the scene were completed without further incidents.

The President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, expressed concern for those affected by the accident and praised the swift and coordinated response of emergency services. He noted that cooperation among police, fire, and medical teams was crucial in minimising injuries and ensuring passenger safety. Updates on the recovery of injured passengers and the results of the ongoing investigation are expected in the coming days.