A motorcyclist in Barcelona sustained minor injuries on Monday afternoon when a large tree fell in the Eixample district, according to police sources. The incident happened at approximately 5pm at the junction of Carrer de València and Carrer de Bruc, just as the motorcycle was passing.
Emergency services, including the Guàrdia Urbana and an ambulance from the SEM (Medical Emergency System), quickly responded to the scene. The Guàrdia Urbana closed the road to traffic, while paramedics attended to the injured motorcyclist.
Municipal sources told betevé that Barcelona firefighters or Parks and Gardens workers will be responsible for removing the fallen tree. While tree falls are uncommon in Barcelona, they can cause personal injury and property damage.
Previous Incidents and Weather Impact
Trees often fall due to strong winds or storms, though other factors can also contribute. On 12 February, for example, the city experienced widespread tree falls during Storm Nils, a windstorm that caused dozens of trees to come down. Barcelona City Council recorded 522 incidents involving trees in both open parks and on streets during that period.
That wind event was historic, with a maximum gust of 105 km/h recorded at the Port of Barcelona. While one woman died as a result of the storm, no fatalities in the city were directly attributed to falling trees during that specific episode. The last recorded fatality from a falling tree in Barcelona occurred in August 2023, when a palm tree fell and killed a young woman in the Raval neighbourhood.
Authorities continue to monitor the city's urban tree population, particularly in areas prone to wind exposure, to help prevent future incidents. Investigations into the specific cause of Monday's tree fall are expected to be carried out by municipal teams.
