On November 10th, a tragic incident involving gunfire and an explosion occurred in the northern Spanish city of Oviedo. Emergency responders faced a calamity while examining a suspicious backpack, which unexpectedly detonated, resulting in the death of one police officer and leaving another bomb disposal officer severely injured and facing amputation of a leg.
As reported by Spain’s national broadcasting network, RTVE, the unsettling events unfolded around 7:30 AM local time in the Villafría district of Oviedo. Initial investigations hint that the violence may stem from a neighborhood dispute. Among the victims, a 17-year-old girl sustained injuries during the gunfire, prompting her immediate transfer to Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA) for medical attention. Fortunately, her injuries are not life-threatening.
Upon arriving at the scene to search for possible suspects, police discovered a suspicious backpack in the foyer of a residential building. Pedro Aguado, a spokesperson for the national police, indicated that the backpack was believed to contain an explosive device, leading authorities to summon a dog unit and a bomb disposal team (TEDAX) for careful examination.
In a bid to ensure the safety of nearby residents, the police moved the suspicious backpack outside for further investigation. However, at approximately 8:50 AM, while handling the backpack, a catastrophic explosion occurred.
The explosion claimed the life of Juan José, a member of the canine unit, while another officer from the TEDAX was critically injured and subsequently had to undergo surgery, resulting in the loss of one leg. The police also confirmed the devastating loss of Denny, a two-year-old police dog, who perished in the blast.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Spanish National Police took to social media to extend their condolences to the fallen officer’s family and colleagues, expressing their heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery for the injured officer.
Furthermore, reports from the Spanish news agency EFE quote sources within the police force, suggesting that the individual suspected of firing the shots is likely the same person who placed the explosive backpack. This suspect reportedly has a history of several non-terror-related criminal offenses. While initial assessments indicate that his motivations may not align with those typically associated with terrorism, the precise reasons behind his actions remain under investigation.
Law enforcement officials announced that the suspect fled the scene post-incident, potentially armed. In response, a large-scale operation has been deployed by the Spanish National Police throughout Oviedo and its surrounding areas, focused on apprehending this fugitive and ensuring public safety. Authorities remain vigilant as they navigate through this complex and unfolding situation.