A 54-year-old construction worker died on Friday after being struck while working on the extensive renovation of the Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona. The incident, which occurred in the afternoon, is the first fatal workplace accident reported since the stadium’s major overhaul began in June 2023. According to a statement from the Mossos d’Esquadra, officers from the Les Corts police station received an emergency call about the accident at approximately 15:30.

The renovation project at Camp Nou, which started on June 1, 2023, has involved thousands of workers. Recently, crews completed the new third tier of the stadium and are now focusing on constructing a compression ring to support the future roof. The worker, whose identity has not been disclosed, was reportedly fatally injured by a blow while carrying out his duties on site.

Upon receiving the alert, multiple units from the Mossos d’Esquadra, including the Investigation Unit, as well as teams from the Emergency Medical System (SEM), were dispatched to the scene. Despite their rapid response, medical personnel were unable to save the worker’s life. In line with established protocols, the Mossos d’Esquadra notified the duty investigating court and the Department of Business and Labour about the fatal accident.

This tragedy comes at a time when workplace safety in Spain remains a topic of ongoing concern, especially in large-scale construction projects. The Camp Nou redevelopment is one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in Barcelona in recent years, drawing attention to the risks faced by workers on such sites. The incident also follows other recent losses in the Spanish cultural and sports sectors, such as the passing of Joan Roca, the founding bassist of Antònia Font, whose death at 54 was recently reported in the media. For more on that story, see this report on the loss of Joan Roca.

Spain’s labour regulations require immediate reporting and investigation of fatal workplace incidents. The authorities will now examine the circumstances surrounding the accident at Camp Nou to determine any contributing factors and assess compliance with safety protocols. The outcome of this investigation may influence future safety measures at major construction sites across the country. The Camp Nou project, once completed, is expected to set new standards for sports venues in Spain, but this incident underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring worker safety during such complex operations. (RUSSPAIN English Spain News)

•BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 28: A general view of Spotify Camp Nou stadium during the last game there before renovation during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Spotify Camp Nou on May 28, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)