An explosion in a parked car on Lluís Companys Street in the heart of Lleida on the morning of 18 July 2026 injured five people, one of whom suffered severe chest trauma. The blast occurred just after 11 a.m. Emergency teams and police arrived quickly and cordoned off the area as an investigation began. Regió7 also reported that five people were injured in the parked-car explosion.
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 when it exploded. The blast injured the driver and four pedestrians who were passing by. One person remains in serious condition with thoracic injuries, while the others sustained less severe wounds.
Specialist bomb disposal units (Tédax) and officers from the Information Commissariat were deployed to rule out other potential causes and protect the public. The Catalan police said the leading hypothesis is that combustion involving one or more spray cans inside the car triggered the explosion. The Mossos d’Esquadra also shared this theory on their official X account as authorities continued to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
The incident has raised concerns about storing pressurized containers in vehicles, especially during warmer months, when temperatures inside cars can rise rapidly. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not indicated any suspicion of foul play or external interference.
Incidents involving hazardous materials in public spaces are not uncommon in Spain. A recent incident on a Ryanair flight highlighted the dangers of sudden pressure changes and the importance of safety protocols in transport and public areas.
Lleida, a city in Catalonia, has built up a strong emergency response infrastructure in recent years, with local services trained to handle incidents ranging from fires to chemical hazards. The Mossos d’Esquadra regularly remind residents to avoid leaving flammable or pressurized items in vehicles, particularly in hot weather. Aerosol cans, commonly used for household or automotive purposes, can become unstable when 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 issue further public advisories on storing hazardous materials in private vehicles. The incident in Lleida shows the potential dangers of everyday items when basic safety guidelines are overlooked.
