36-year-old man hospitalized for head injuries after being hit by a car during a proposal at unauthorized car meet

A 36-year-old man remains in hospital with head injuries this Tuesday, April 7, 2026, after being run over just moments after proposing to his girlfriend at an illegal car meet in Vallès, Barcelona. The incident took place while a BMW driver was performing high-speed manoeuvres in front of the couple. The driver fled but was arrested later by the Mossos d’Esquadra.

This case has brought these gatherings to the forefront of public attention, and police have increased their presence in industrial zones where they are held. In recent months officers have intensified efforts to locate these gatherings and disperse them, including by using drones for tracking vehicles that are involved in dangerous driving.

An emergency moment

What started out as a celebration turned into a serious incident. The online footage of the witness shows the proposal in the middle an automobile gathering. Vehicles are performing manoeuvres and revving their engines. The man was then hit by a car, which caused panic among the crowd.

The emergency services attended to him on the scene, before transporting him to the hospital for further treatment. The injuries he sustained were not deemed life-threatening, despite their severity. The driver initially fled the scene, but later police confirmed that an arrest was made.

Risks of illegal car meets

These incidents are not isolated. Illegal car meet, organised often by private groups in industrial areas or on the outskirts, has become more and more common. These gatherings usually involve modified cars and drifting. They also often include high-speed manoeuvres without safety measures.

Authorities in Spain have repeatedly warned the public about the dangers. These events are hard to control as they can be organised quickly and attract large numbers of people within hours. According to police reports, attendees are often from nearby towns and arrive in vehicles slowly so as not to be detected. The lack of barriers, supervisors, or designated spectator zones creates a hazardous environment once the event has begun. Bystanders are in immediate danger. The danger of being close to vehicles doing stunts is immediate for bystanders.

Is it common to see illegal car meets in Spain?

Yes, in particular industrial zones and the suburbs of major cities. They can be organised privately, and they may appear without warning. Illegal car meets still attract crowds despite the dangers. Some find them a place to meet people and show off modified cars. Some people enjoy the thrill of performance and speed in a non-controlled environment.

Safety is not always a priority due to the lack of regulations. These gatherings could quickly spiral out-of-control without the proper organisation, emergency planning or trained staff. These events are often dispersed by authorities, but because they are unpredictable, it is difficult to prevent them.

The latest update on the victim’s condition

There is relief despite the shock. After suffering a serious head injury, he remains hospitalized. However, his condition is not considered life-threatening. This was supposed to be a moment of joy, but instead it has become a reminder how dangerous these gatherings can get.