Facebook has activated its “Safety Check” feature for users in Barcelona after an apparent terror attack in a popular area of the city Thursday afternoon.
A Catalan official confirmed there are at least 13 dead and 50 injured after a white van deliberately plowed through a crowd. Video shows a white van mounted on a walkway with heavy damage to the front bumper.
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Armed police patrol streets following attack in Barcelona -
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Woman describes ‘complete panic’ following Barcelona van attack -
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Injured seen laying on street after a van plows into crowd in Barcelona -
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Amateur videos show people fleeing the scene, seeking shelter following Barcelona van incident -
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Pedestrians flee as manhunt for Barcelona van attack driver underway -
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Paramedics treat victim of Barcelona van attack -
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Witness says they mistook police response to Barcelona van incident for a famous celebrity -
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Witness describes the chaotic scene in Barcelona following attack -
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Sirens wail in Barcelona’s Plaça Catalunya square following suspected van attack -
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Reporter provides first-hand account of Barcelona van incident
Safety Check allows family and loved ones to check in with those in affected areas to let them know they’re safe. The tool allows users to check in as “Safe,” which sends a notification to their friends’ list.
Facebook activated the feature shortly after news of the crash. The feature also allows people in the area to offer help, such as shelter and water, for those impacted by the attack.
Citing local media, Reuters reported two armed people entered a restaurant in Barcelona after the van plowed through the crowd. Authorities have yet to confirm gunfire in the area.
Photos on social media show several people on the ground as emergency services arrive.
You can check here to see if your friends and family in Barcelona are safe.
Following the incident, officials asked people in the area to “communicate via social networks” to avoid overloading the local telephone system.
Emergency crews also are urging people in the area to clear the roads in order to allow ambulances to get through.
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