Police Officer Killed and Another Injured in Oviedo Backpack Explosion
A National Police officer and a police dog died during an investigation in northern Spain.
A National Police officer was killed and another was seriously injured on Tuesday morning after a suspicious backpack exploded in Oviedo, Spain. The tragic incident occurred on Rafael R. Urrusti Street in the Villafría area as law enforcement officers responded to reports of an earlier shooting.
Local authorities stated that officers had arrived at the scene following a neighborhood dispute involving two families. Around 7:00 a.m. local time, a young woman was reportedly shot and injured by a man. She was subsequently transported to the Central University Hospital of Asturias, where medical personnel determined her injuries were not life-threatening. Police forces immediately launched a search for the armed suspect.
While investigating the apartment building where the shooting took place, officers discovered a suspicious backpack left at the entrance. A bomb disposal team was promptly called to the location to examine the package. However, the device detonated unexpectedly the moment officers began their inspection.
The blast resulted in the death of a National Police officer identified as Juan José, a member of the Special Canine Unit. Additionally, a police dog named Deny, a three-year-old German shepherd working alongside José, also died in the line of duty. Spanish authorities expressed deep sorrow over the loss of both the officer and the canine.
Several other individuals sustained injuries in the explosion. According to initial reports and police union statements, a bomb disposal officer was seriously hurt and lost a leg in the blast. Medical teams rushed the injured personnel to area hospitals for emergency treatment.
High-ranking officials across Spain quickly offered their condolences and tributes following the tragedy. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez shared a statement on social media expressing profound shock over the officer's death and extending support to the families affected. Both the National Police and the Guardia Civil released formal statements honoring the bravery and dedication of the fallen officer.
The surrounding neighborhood in northern Spain remained cordoned off as forensic teams and investigators continued their inquiries into both the initial shooting and the subsequent explosion. Police operations remain active as authorities search for the suspect connected to the neighborhood dispute.