A Tragic Hailstorm Claims the Life of a 20‑Month‑Old in Catalonia
The Storm: A Meteorological Monster
In the heart of Catalonia, a freak hailstorm turned the day into a chaotic episode of nature’s fury. In the small village of La Bisbal d’Emporda, fist‑sized hailstones—some measuring up to 10 centimeters (4 inches)—poured from the sky on Tuesday. Meteorologists note that these were the biggest hailstones recorded in two decades for the region, leaving locals and photographers alike astonished.
Human Toll – Broken Bones, Bruises, and Heartbreak
- ~50 people sustained injuries ranging from broken bones to bruises.
- Among those injured, a 20‑month‑old girl suffered a fatal head injury and was later pronounced dead at Girona’s Trueta hospital.
- Other residents had to flee out of terror, and a few tiny, brave boys and girls ran around on their own until their parents could catch them.
Eyewitness Accounts – Laughs and Wails Under the Skies
Musician Sicus Carbonell, who was on stage during the storm at a nearby hotel, captured the breathtaking chaos on his phone:
“It was a wild day. We were playing on a canvas‑covered terrace, and everyone started screaming and hiding. We were forced to run for cover—some kids got lost amid the hail, some parents managed to rescue them. One little girl, around three or four years old, was standing outside under a parasol that’s usually a safe spot, and then – boom – a hailstone broke through the fabric. I threw it at my bandmates and warned them: ‘Either we get into the restaurant or we’re going to get hit by a tennis ball. We’re not going to make it.’”
Local Response – Fear, Recovery, and Reality Check
The incident has left the community in shock. Parts of the region remained on a storm alert on Wednesday, as authorities monitor for any lingering elements of the tempest. The tragedy, while sad, underscores the surprising power of weather anomalies, especially in a region that hardly sees such fierce hailstorms.
Climate‑Agnostic Reminders
While headlines often focus on the faint glimmer of day, this storm serves as a stark reminder that the earth can switch its mood on a dime—just when you’re relaxing, and even when you’re on a rooftop playlist. Parents, be vigilant. And if you’re ever in a place where the sky seems stomached, consider investing in a sturdy, weather‑proof umbrella. Or, better yet, maybe add a towel‑filled container nearby—you never know which meteorological ball might decide to be the real headdress.
