Right now, breaking, a white rental van jumped the curb in Las Ramblas and plowed into many people on the sidewalk. Spanish media says as many as 20 people have been injured as the van struck people at sidewalk cafes and people shopping in the popular city centre. Conflicting reports are still coming in as to whether or not this was terrorism, but it is being treated as a terrorist incident.
Eye witnesses said the van mowed down multiple people. The driver of the van was seen jumping from the van and walking away… it is a suspected terrorist attack but not yet confirmed.
The Independent is reporting two dead… images coming in show multiple people down on the street and sidewalk.
Transportation hubs and streets have been closed down.
From the Independent
Authorities said the vehicle mounted a pavement and struck people in a "massive crash" in an area of the city that is popular with tourists.
The El Pais newspaper reported that the driver of the vehicle had fled on foot, while a single news agency reported that police were treating the incident as a terrorist attack.
The Reuters news agency reported that two armed men had entered a restaurant in the city centre after the van crash. One witness told The Independent he had heard a hostage situation was unfolding.
Barcelona is a major tourist attraction and for this time of year, it is the height of the tourist season where many foreigners are visiting.
MSNBC is covering the incident live…
Steve Garratt, an eye witness describing the van drove onto the market area as people ran — some reported hearing gunshots but that is unclear — after the driver ran, armed police swarmed the market and side streets. The images of strollers with women down are amid the debris.
People have been asked to shelter inside buildings in the area with 80 people locked inside a nearby Church due to unconfirmed rumors that two armed men are reported holded up in a local bar. The Guardian is updating minute by minute here.
Witnesses described the van as “zigzagging” down the street striking people and accelerated as it jumped the curb, striking more. This local article says that as many as 13 people may have been killed.
Americans are being asked to check in with the American Consulate to confirm they are safe.
ISIS is already posting in celebration of the attack, although they have not taken credit.
Gen. Kelly has briefed tRump of the incident.
Police are searching for at least one suspect, the driver of the white van…
Will update in comments as more information comes in.