Police Officer Killed and Another Injured in Backpack Explosion in Oviedo, Spain

Oviedo backpack explosion kills police officer, Digi Mart USA News (Oviedo, northern Spain): A police officer has died and another has been injured in the northern Spanish city of Oviedo after an explosive device went off at the scene of a shooting.

The blast happened when officers from Spain’s canine unit and explosives disposal unit arrived and examined a suspicious backpack following reports of a dispute between neighbours on Tuesday morning.

A woman who had been shot and the injured officer have been taken to hospital for treatment. The suspect fled the scene and is still at large, police said.

Spanish police paid tribute to the dead officer, who has been named as Juan José, in a statement on X. “Our hearts are with his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones,” the statement said.

Officers attended the scene early after receiving reports of an argument between neighbours and, upon arriving, found a woman who had sustained gunshot wounds, police spokesman Pedro Aguado said.

While searching for the suspected attacker, officers found a suspicious backpack with a flashing light and contacted both the bomb disposal unit and canine unit. “While the package was being moved outside to ensure the safety of the residents, an explosion occurred,” Aguado said.

The explosion killed a member of the canine unit and seriously injured an officer from the bomb disposal unit, he said. A three-year-old police dog named Deny was also killed in the explosion.

A widespread police operation is ongoing near the scene of the explosion, and officers are continuing to hunt for the suspect.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on social media that he was “deeply shocked” by the fatal incident and paid tribute to the officer injured in the explosion. “Your dedication and courage deserve the gratitude of an entire country,” he said.

Spanish opposition leader and President of the People’s Party Alberto Núñez Feijóo said: “What happened in Oviedo is heartbreaking. My condolences to the family of the officer who died and my best wishes for the recovery of the one who was seriously injured.”