Canadians in Spain advised to be cautious

Deadly attack occurred just over a kilometre from Canada’s consulate in Barcelona; Trudeau expresses condolences

OTTAWA — Global Affairs Canada says there are no reports of Canadians among those killed and injured in a terror attack in Barcelona.

Terroists drove a van into a crowd on the popular Las Ramblas tourist area near the centre of the city, killing at least 13 people and injuring 100 more. Global Affairs says it is ready to assist Canadians in Barcelona as required..

The advisory came after someone drove a van into a crowd on the popular tourist street near the centre of the city, killing at least 13 people and injuring many more.

There was no immediate word on whether any Canadians are among the victims.

The department urged Canadians in Spain to let their “loved ones know you are safe.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement that he was “deeply saddened” by the news.

“While we cannot ignore the outrage we feel, together we must renew our commitment to protect the freedom found in societies that promote unity, openness and inclusion,” wrote Trudeau, who has been out of the spotlight on a family vacation in British Columbia this week.

“Spain, we grieve with you and denounce hate and violence in all of its forms. Canada will continue working with the international community to fight terrorism and build a world where we can all feel safe and secure.”

The attack happened shortly before 5:30 p.m. local time. Carles Puigdemont, president of Spain’s Catalonia region, told a news conference two suspects had been arrested.

Spanish authorities say 13 people were confirmed dead and 80 were hurt, at least 15 of them seriously. The latest reports said 23 people were in hospital with moderate injuries and 43 more had been lightly injured.

The attack occurred just over a kilometre from Canada’s consulate in Barcelona.

Global Affairs says Canadians in the Spanish city should monitor media, including social media, for information and can contact the local consulate or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa for help.

Charles Mordret, a Quebecer who spends a lot of time in Barcelona, was not far from the area when he heard something had happened and started going toward it.

“People were coming in the opposite direction and I ended up going into a café,” Mordret told La Presse Canadienne.

Mordret said there were a lot of people on the street when it happened, but they cleared away. “There are a lot of police officers. Every street is blocked off and at each corner there’s a police cruiser. Helicopters are flying over the area.

Early Friday, Catalan police posted a tweet saying they shot and killed several people south of Barcelona in response to a terrorist attack. It wasn’t immediately clear from the tweet if those shot were suspects in the Las Ramblas attack or a separate attack.