1987 Hipercor bombing

The 1987 Hipercor bombing, known locally as Atentado de Hipercor, stands as one of the most tragic and impactful events in the history of Barcelona, Spain. This devastating attack, orchestrated by the Basque separatist group ETA, took place on June 19, 1987, at the Hipercor shopping center located on Avinguda Meridiana in the Sant Andreu district of Barcelona. The bombing resulted in the loss of 21 lives and left 45 individuals injured, marking it as one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in Spain during that period.

The Context of the Attack

In the early 1980s, Spain was experiencing a tumultuous political climate following its transition to democracy. Various armed groups, including the GAL, Terra Lliure, GRAPO, and ETA, were active during this period. ETA, in particular, intensified its violent campaign to force negotiations with the Spanish government. By the mid-1980s, the group had shifted its focus from targeting military personnel to carrying out mass-casualty attacks on civilians.

In 1986, a faction of ETA known as the Comando Barcelona was formed, and it quickly became one of the most active and deadly units within the organization. The Comando Barcelona was responsible for several high-profile attacks, including the Hipercor bombing, which remains the deadliest attack ever perpetrated by ETA.

The Events of June 19, 1987

The Hipercor bombing was meticulously planned and executed by the Comando Barcelona. The attackers placed a car bomb in the second basement level of the shopping center, which corresponded to the first parking level. The car, a stolen Ford Sierra, was loaded with 30 kilograms of amonal (an explosive substance), 100 liters of gasoline, soap flakes, and adhesive, creating a highly destructive mixture. The bomb was equipped with a timer set to detonate in the late afternoon.

At around 3:00 PM, ETA members made three phone calls to warn of the impending attack: one to the local police, one to Hipercor management, and one to the newspaper Avui. Despite these warnings, a thorough inspection of the premises by the police failed to uncover the bomb, and it was dismissed as a false alarm. It is worth noting that bomb threats were a common occurrence at the time, and twelve such threats had been received on the day of the attack alone.

At 4:12 PM, the bomb detonated, causing a massive explosion that ripped through the parking level and into the food section above. The amonal used in the bomb did not require oxygen for combustion, resulting in temperatures reaching up to 3,000 degrees Celsius and the release of asphyxiating gases. The adhesive in the explosive mixture caused burning materials to stick to the victims, leading to severe injuries and fatalities. The explosion created a large plume of smoke visible from various parts of the city, causing widespread panic and traffic chaos.

Aftermath and Reactions

The aftermath of the Hipercor bombing was marked by widespread shock and condemnation. The President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Jordi Pujol, delivered a televised address calling for unity and cooperation to combat terrorism. The Spanish royal family made a stop in Barcelona to express their condolences, and a massive demonstration was organized on June 22, 1987, to honor the victims. The demonstration, held on Passeig de Gràcia, was attended by an estimated 750,000 people, including political leaders, family members of the victims, and the general public. The event was characterized by a somber and silent atmosphere, reflecting the collective grief and resolve of the community.

In the wake of the attack, ETA issued a statement acknowledging the bombing as a mistake, while the political party Herri Batasuna expressed regret for the loss of life and criticized the police and company management for not evacuating the building. In 2018, a month before announcing its dissolution, ETA referred to the Hipercor bombing as its greatest error and tragedy.

Legal Proceedings and Commemoration

The members of the Comando Barcelona responsible for the attack were eventually apprehended and brought to justice. Domingo Troitiño and Josefa Ernaga were arrested in September 1987 and sentenced to 794 years in prison each in 1989. Rafael Caride Simón and Santiago Arróspide Sarasola (Santi Potros) were later captured and received sentences of 790 years each in 2003. The Spanish state was also held civilly liable for the actions of its security forces, resulting in compensation for the victims' families.

To commemorate the victims of the Hipercor bombing, a monument was unveiled on June 26, 2003, at the southern end of Can Dragó Park, near the intersection of Avinguda Meridiana and Passeig de Fabra i Puig, approximately 200 meters from the site of the attack. This monument serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the resilience of the community in the face of terrorism.

The 1987 Hipercor bombing remains a significant and somber chapter in Barcelona's history. It is a testament to the city's strength and unity in the face of adversity, and it continues to be remembered as a tragic event that shaped the collective consciousness of the community.