The aftermath of a powerful storm in Catalonia has once again highlighted the fragility of urban infrastructure and the vulnerability of people to the elements. In Barcelona, a 46-year-old woman lost her life when the roof of an industrial building collapsed on her. Her death was the most tragic incident in a series of events caused by the extreme winds that swept through the region.
A wave of hospitalizations struck several cities. Nine people were taken to various medical facilities in Catalonia with injuries of varying severity. Winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour caused numerous accidents and damage. According to official data, a total of 86 people were injured.
Serious injuries and critical conditions
At Vall d’Hebron Hospital in Barcelona, a 68-year-old man remains in critical condition. He suffered fractures of the pelvis and femur, as well as a severe chest injury after a streetlamp fell on him. Doctors continue to fight for his life.
In Girona, at Trueta Hospital, doctors are treating a 56-year-old construction worker. His condition is considered extremely serious: his leg was so badly injured that there is a risk of amputation. The accident happened when a wall he was working on in Sant Pau de Seguries collapsed on him.
Injured volunteers and new threats
Two Civil Protection volunteers, aged 22 and 23, remain hospitalized at Bellvitge Hospital (Barcelona). One is in critical condition after being struck by a falling tree in Sant Boi de Llobregat. The other volunteer suffered serious injuries, but his life is not in danger.
Two other volunteers, aged 23 and 35, were also injured by falling trees, but their injuries were minor and they have already been discharged from Sant Boi Hospital. In Olot (Girona), two men aged 54 and 51 are still receiving treatment after a tree fell on them in the municipality of Ribes de Freser. Their condition is described as moderate.
Storms and Their Consequences
The severe weather not only damaged buildings and felled trees, but also disrupted daily life in the region. Authorities warn of potential new threats as weather conditions remain unstable. Another front is expected in the coming days, which may bring further rainfall and stronger winds.
In recent years, Catalonia and other regions of Spain have increasingly faced devastating storms. In 2023, a similar hurricane caused widespread power outages and transportation chaos in Girona and Tarragona. In 2024, strong winds in Valencia tore the roofs off several schools, while Madrid reported numerous instances of falling trees. These events are becoming more frequent, raising concerns among safety and urban planning experts.
