Police officer killed and another injured in Oviedo backpack explosion

A police officer was killed and another seriously injured in Oviedo, Spain, after a backpack exploded during a response to a neighborhood dispute, DW English reported. The incident occurred in the Villafria neighborhood where officers were attending a conflict between two families that had escalated.

According to the BBC, the officers involved were from Spain's canine unit and explosives disposal unit. They were examining a suspicious backpack following reports of a dispute that included a woman being shot by a man. The woman was hospitalized and is expected to recover, while the suspect remains at large.

The explosion happened as officers attempted to move the backpack to a safer location to protect residents. The blast killed a member of the canine unit and seriously injured an officer from the bomb disposal unit, who is receiving treatment in a hospital, according to police statements reported by the BBC.

Local authorities have cordoned off the area around Rafael Urrusti Street. Oviedo's mayor was reported by DW English to be heading to the scene to address the situation. The police union JUPOL expressed deep sorrow over the incident.

Spanish political leaders have responded to the event. The president of the People’s Party described the incident as heartbreaking, according to the BBC. Police have paid tribute to the fallen officer and extended condolences to his family and colleagues.