Men’s basketball teams from Oregon State, Clemson and Arizona were staying at a hotel in Barcelona, Spain, near where a van drove into pedestrians on Thursday, but team officials said everyone was safe.
Spanish police have confirmed they are investigating the bloodshed in Barcelona’s historic Las Ramblas district as a terror attack. The area is a popular summer tourist spot.
Tulane also was playing in Barcelona, but it was unclear if they were staying in the same hotel as the other teams.
People walk down a main street in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017. Police in Barcelona say a white van has mounted a sidewalk, struck several people in the city’s Las Ramblas district. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Oregon State assistant coach Gregg Gottlieb posted to Facebook: “We are all luckily ok. Our hotel/restaurant is located right on Las Ramblas. This tragedy happened right in front of us as our team just sat down for pregame meal. Thoughts and prayers for all those that are were hurt.”
The Beavers’ game Thursday night was canceled. It was supposed to be the first of a five-game tour.
Clemson was scheduled to play Thursday night against a Spanish All-Star team.
“We’ve been in contact with our men’s basketball program currently in Barcelona and the entire travel party is safe and secure. Their exhibition game for tonight has been cancelled and the team will return to Clemson as previously scheduled tomorrow morning. Our thoughts are with the people of Barcelona,” the South Carolina school said in a statement.
Clemson coach Brad Brownell confirmed in a text to The Associated Press that the three teams were staying in the same hotel.
“We are fine. Thankful to be safe and together,” Brownell wrote.
Tulane athletic director Troy Tannen confirmed via social media that the Green Wave players and staff were safe.
Replying to a Twitter inquiry from a Portland television about whether the team was OK, Oregon State head coach Wayne Tinkle responded: “Yes we are, happened directly in front of our hotel while we were having a team meal in the restaurant, so senseless and sad! All accounted4.”
Oregon State said it has not yet determined the remaining schedule for the team, which was supposed to be on the exhibition tour until Aug. 25.
A spokesman for Arizona said the Wildcats have canceled their third and final exhibition of their tour and “are currently working on travel plans to return home.”
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AP Sports Writers Pete Iacobelli and John Marshall contributed to this report.
Police secure the area close to the scene after a white van jumped the sidewalk in the historic Las Ramblas district of Barcelona, Spain, crashing into a summer crowd of residents and tourists Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017. According to witnesses the white van swerved from side to side as it plowed into tourists and residents. (AP Photo/Giannis Papanikos)
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