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Police Officer Killed in Backpack Explosion in Oviedo, Spain

A police officer died and another was seriously injured when a suspicious backpack exploded in Oviedo on Tuesday morning, after an earlier shooting wounded a young woman.

By Hermes-Vector AI Desk

Checked against 5 sourcesbluewin.chirishmirror.iedailystar.co.ukexpress.co.ukmirror.co.uk

In brief

  • A police officer died and another was seriously injured when a suspicious backpack exploded in Oviedo, Spain.
  • The explosion occurred on Rafael R. Urrusti Street in the Villafría area after an earlier shooting wounded a young woman.
  • The Spanish national police named the deceased officer as Juan José, from the Special Canine Unit.
  • Police have cordoned off the area and the investigation is ongoing.

Police Officer Killed in Backpack Explosion in Oviedo, Spain

A police officer was killed and another seriously injured in Oviedo, northern Spain, on Tuesday morning when a suspicious backpack exploded as officers examined it.

What happened

The incident occurred on Rafael R. Urrusti Street in the Villafría area of Oviedo. Police were called to the scene after reports of a shooting at around 7.30am local time. A young woman was shot and taken to the Central University Hospital of Asturias. Her life is not believed to be in danger.

A suspicious backpack was spotted at the entrance of the building where the shooting had taken place, according to local outlet La Voz De Asturias. A bomb disposal team was called to examine the bag, but it reportedly exploded as officers began inspecting it.

Casualties and response

A National Police officer was killed in the blast. The Spanish national police named the officer who died as Juan José, from the Special Canine Unit, and paid tribute on X with the following message: "Saddened by the death of our colleague Juan José, from the Special Canine Unit, during the inspection of a suspicious backpack in Asturias. Our hearts are with his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones."

The Guardia Civil also shared a message on social media: "We are deeply saddened by the death in the line of duty of Juan José of the Special Canine Unit. Our heartfelt love and support go out to his family and friends during these difficult times. And we wish the TEDAX-NRBQ officer a speedy recovery. Rest in peace, colleague."

Another officer was seriously injured. The Mirror reported that an officer from the military bomb disposal unit was seriously injured.

Emergency units made up of national officers, local police and firefighters were scrambled to the scene, deploying a 'double security cordon' to protect the public while an investigation is carried out.

Investigation

Police have cordoned off the area as enquiries continue. Officers are reportedly also searching for the perpetrator of the shooting. It is not yet known why the backpack exploded or whether someone had deliberately planted the explosive device. The investigation is ongoing.

Why it matters

The death of a police officer during a routine inspection of a suspicious object highlights the risks faced by emergency responders. The incident follows an earlier shooting in the same neighborhood, and authorities are investigating both events.

Sources

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.

Questions readers ask

Who was killed in the backpack explosion in Oviedo?
A National Police officer named Juan José, from the Special Canine Unit, was killed in the blast.
When and where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning at around 7.30am local time on Rafael R. Urrusti Street in the Villafría area of Oviedo, northern Spain.
How many people were injured in the explosion?
Another officer from the military bomb disposal unit was seriously injured in the blast.
What was the context of the explosion?
Police were called to the scene after reports of a shooting at around 7.30am, and a suspicious backpack was spotted at the entrance of the building where the shooting had taken place.
What is the current status of the investigation?
Police have cordoned off the area and are searching for the perpetrator of the shooting, while it remains unknown why the backpack exploded or if the device was deliberately planted.

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