Spanish Police Officer Killed, Another Injured in Oviedo Backpack Explosion

A Spanish police officer died and another suffered severe injuries early Tuesday morning when an explosive device detonated inside a backpack in the northern city of Oviedo.

The blast took place on Rafael R. Urrusti Street in the Villafría district after officers responded to a violent dispute between neighbors at about 7:30 a.m., according to the Irish Mirror. Emergency units from national forces, local police, and firefighters rushed to the scene after residents reported hearing three gunshots.

A young woman sustained gunshot wounds during the initial confrontation and was transported to the hospital, where local officials confirmed she is no longer in danger. While searching for the suspected attacker, responding officers discovered a suspicious backpack with a flashing light at the entrance of the residential building.

Authorities deployed the National Police bomb disposal unit and canine unit to inspect the suspicious package. As officers attempted to move the backpack outside to protect nearby residents, the device detonated unexpectedly.

Police spokesman Pedro Aguado said, “While the package was being moved outside to ensure the safety of the residents, an explosion occurred”.

The explosion killed a member of the canine unit. A three-year-old police dog named Deny also died in the blast.

A second officer, belonging to the bomb disposal unit, sustained critical injuries, including the loss of a leg, and remains in very serious condition in the hospital. JUPOL, the largest trade union of the Spanish National Police, confirmed the casualties in a public statement and extended condolences to the affected families and colleagues.

Emergency responders established a double security cordon around the Villafría neighborhood as National Police launched a large-scale operation to secure the area and investigate the blast. The suspect who fled the initial shooting remains at large.

Oviedo Mayor Alfredo Canteli traveled to the scene to gather direct information on the incident. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed deep shock on social media, paying tribute to the dedication and courage of the injured officer. Opposition leader and People’s Party Alberto Núñez Feijóo similarly called the events heartbreaking, offering condolences to the family of the deceased officer.