A parked car exploded in central Lleida, injuring five people, including one seriously. Early police findings suggest aerosol cans inside the vehicle triggered the blast. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene.
An explosion in a parked car on Lluís Companys street in the heart of Lleida left five people injured on Thursday morning, with one victim suffering severe chest trauma. The incident, which occurred just after 11 a.m., prompted a rapid response from emergency teams and police, who cordoned off the area and began an immediate investigation.
Initial findings from the Mossos d’Esquadra indicate that several aerosol cans, recently purchased by the driver at a local bazaar, were inside the vehicle at the time of the blast. The force of the explosion not only injured the driver but also four pedestrians who happened to be passing by. Among the wounded, one person remains in serious condition due to thoracic injuries, while the others sustained less severe wounds.
Specialist bomb disposal units (Tédax) and officers from the Information Commissariat were deployed to the scene to rule out other potential causes and ensure public safety. According to the Catalan police, the leading hypothesis is that a combustion involving one or more spray cans inside the car triggered the explosion. This theory was shared by the Mossos d’Esquadra on their official X account, as authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
The incident has raised concerns about the risks associated with storing pressurized containers in vehicles, especially during warmer months when temperatures inside cars can rise rapidly. While the investigation is ongoing, the authorities have not indicated any suspicion of foul play or external interference at this stage.
Events involving hazardous materials in public spaces are not uncommon in Spain. For example, a recent incident on a Ryanair flight highlighted the dangers of sudden pressure changes and the importance of safety protocols in both transport and public areas.
Lleida, a city in Catalonia, has seen a strong emergency response infrastructure in recent years, with local services trained to handle a range of incidents from fires to chemical hazards. The Mossos d’Esquadra regularly remind residents to avoid leaving flammable or pressurized items in vehicles, particularly during periods of high heat. Aerosol cans, commonly used for household or automotive purposes, can become unstable if exposed to direct sunlight or elevated temperatures, increasing the risk of accidental ignition or explosion.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to review safety recommendations and may consider further public advisories regarding the storage of hazardous materials in private vehicles. The incident in Lleida serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by everyday items when basic safety guidelines are overlooked.
