Tongeren woman killed in Barcelona terrorist attack
A woman from Tongeren who was in Barcelona with her spouse and children was killed yesterday in the terrorist attack on La Rambla in Barcelona
Two other Belgians wounded
Elke V worked for Bpost and was born and raised in Lummen, also in Limburg. The city of Lummen cancelled a planned fireworks display as part of its annual fair out of respect for the victim’s family, who still live in the area.
Two other Belgians were wounded in the attack and are in hospital. Their identities have not yet been released.
The attack took place at approximately 17.00 on Thursday when a large van ran people over in the series of pedestrian streets known as La Rambla, one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Catalonian capital. Thirteen people have been confirmed dead, including the three Belgians, and more than 100 wounded.
The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and is still at large. Three other suspects have been arrested.
At approximately 1.00 this morning, a second attack took place in Cambrils, also on the Catalonian coast, some 120 kilometres southwest of Barcelona. A car drove over pedestrians, wounding seven people, including a police officer. A police chase ensured, and all five suspects were shot dead by police.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, but this has not been verified by Spanish authorities.
Belgian foreign affairs minister Didier Reynders told Radio 1 that the government was still considering whether to issue a travel alert for Spain. “But zero risk does not exist,” he said.
Any Belgians worried about family in Spain can call 02 501 81 11.
Photo: Andreu Dalmau/EFE/BELGA
About the author
Lisa Bradshaw is the editor-in-chief of Flanders Today. She worked as an editor and journalist in her homeland, the United States, before moving to the awesome city of Ghent in 2004. If she’s not in the office, she’s probably at a film festival.
