Borussia Dortmund Explosion: Team bus targeted on way to Champions League match with Monaco, injuring player

The team bus suffered broken windows and Marc Batra was sent to the hospital

By Roger Gonzalez

Apr 11, 2017 at 8:54 pm ET • 2 min read

Explosions struck the Borussia Dortmund team bus in Dortmund, Germany while headed towards the stadium for a Champions League match on Tuesday in a scary scene which saw the match postponed. Here’s what to know about what is still a developing situation.

What happened?

According to reports, at least one object was thrown in front of the bus en route to the stadium, and police are investigating whether it was a targeted attack. The club said on Twitter that defender Marc Bartra was hurt and was taken to the hospital after suffering injuries due to shattered glass. German publication Bild says three explosives were placed outside of the bus.

Welt reported that a suspicious object was found at the team hotel later in the day, but no word as to what the object was.

What is the police saying?

A statement from the police read: “According to present knowledge there were three explosions close to Borussia Dortmund’s team bus. Initial findings make police believe that there was an attack with serious explosives. Those explosives might have been hidden in a hedge near a parking lot.”

How is Barta?

He was injured on the arm and hand and was taken to the hospital. He was treated on site, and it isn’t life-threatening according to club CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke. Bartra underwent an operation on his right wrist/arm region shortly after the incident.

Diagnose bei @MarcBartra: Speichenbruch und Fremdkörper-Einsprengungen am rechten Handgelenk. Er wird z.Zt. operiert. Gute Besserung, Marc! pic.twitter.com/Ngw7kIdSr0
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) April 11, 2017

What are the players saying?

Goalkeeper Roman Burki spoke to Swiss publication Blick and said he was next to Bartra on the bus.

“The bus turned into the main street when there was a giant bang, an explosion. I sat in the last row next to Marc Bartra, who was hit by the shattered glass of the rear window,” Burki said.

“We all ducked after the bang, and those who were able took cover lying on the floor. We did not know if had already ended. The police were on site soon. We are all shocked, and nobody thought about a football match during those minutes.”

When will the match be played?

Yes. The match was postponed until Wednesday as a result. Kickoff is at 12:45 p.m. ET.

And on a cool note, Dortmund has told Monaco fans in the area to check Twitter to connect with Dortmund fans who would welcome letting them stay the night, using the hashtag #bedforawayfans.