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More than a dozen dead in Barcelona terror attack, driver still at large

Last Updated Aug 18, 2017 at 5:19 am MDT

A police officer gestures as he blocks a street in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017. Police in the northern Spanish city of Barcelona say a white van has jumped the sidewalk in the city's historic Las Ramblas district, injuring several people. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

BARCELONA, Spain (NEWS 1130) – Investigators in Barcelona say 13 people are now dead and 100 are hurt after what’s being described as a terror attack.

A van slammed into pedestrians in the historic Las Ramblas district.

The interior chief for Spain’s Catalonia region has declared three days of mourning to honour the victims, but warns the death toll could climb, since at least 15 of the 100 people injured were hurt badly.

Investigators had previously said 13 people were killed, but they have since revised the death toll.

Catalonia’s regional president says two people have been arrested. Earlier today, police confirmed one arrest, saying they were “treating him as a terrorist.”

A van jumped the sidewalk in Barcelona’s historic area, slamming into pedestrians. In a photograph shown by public broadcaster RTVE, people were lying on the ground in the street of the northern Spanish city Thursday afternoon, apparently being helped by police and others. Other videos showed people down and recorded people screaming as they fled the scene.

ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Police cordoned off the broad, popular street, ordering stores and nearby Metro and train stations to close. They asked people to stay away from the area so as not to get in the way of emergency services. A helicopter hovered over the scene.

Las Ramblas, a street of stalls and shops that cuts through the center of Barcelona, is one of the city’s top tourist destinations. People walk down a wide, pedestrianized path in the center of the street, but cars can travel on either side.

Surrey woman in Barcelona witnessed the attack

Alisha Norris is from Surrey and is in Barcelona on vacation. She was in the Las Ramblas district when the attack happened.

“I was walking down the street. It was very calm. Everyone was happy; they were smiling and laughing,” she tells us.

“And then all of a sudden, it just changed in an instant. Everyone was screaming, everyone was running. It was pretty much a stampede of people trying to get away. I saw the van — it was a blur of white behind me — people were running and I could hear it hitting people. I just ran as fast as I could.”

LISTEN: NEWS 1130’s Martin MacMahon speaks with Norris after the attack in Barcelona


Canadians in Spain told to avoid Barcelona tourist area, scene of terror attack

Canadians in Spain are being urged to avoid the Las Ramblas area.

Global Affairs Canada says Canadians in the Spanish city should monitor local media and follow the directions of local authorities.

Officials say questions should be directed to the Consulate of Canada, which is just a kilometre away from where the attack occurred, as well as the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

There is no indication any Canadian has been hurt or killed in the attack.

Political leaders react to Barcelona violence

There is an outpouring of condolences and support in the wake of Thursday’s tragic violence in Barcelona.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has released a statement saying he is deeply saddened and his sympathies & support are with the victims and their families.

“I am deeply saddened by today’s terrorist attack in Barcelona that has killed and injured so many innocent people.

“Sophie and I join all Canadians in offering our sincere condolences to the families and friends who have lost loved ones, and our best wishes for a fast and full recovery to those injured today.

“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.

“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.”

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Theresa May says the UK stands with Spain against terror. US President Donald Trump also took to social media, condemning the violence and saying the United States will do whatever is necessary to help.

Conservative leader Andrew Scheer and NDP leader Thomas Mulcair are also expressing their condemnation and offering support for the people of Spain.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale says Canada continues to monitor the situation carefully.

Premier John Horgan has also taken to Twitter to share his thoughts following the deadly attack.

Facebook has activated its “Safety Check” feature, which allows users who are in Barcelona to tell their family and loved ones that they are safe. Checking in as “safe” sends a notification to uses their “friends” list.