It was a dark day in Spain on August 17 when a van ploughed through the crowd at Las Ramblas avenue, killing 14 people and injuring over 100. There were two other terror attacks which were thought to be linked — attack at the seaside city of Cambrils and house explosion in Alcanar.
Caught amid the attack was a 46-year-old actress of Indian origin, Laila Rouass, with her 10-year-old daughter, Inez Khan.
She was live-tweeting the horrifying episode from her hideout, which was a freezer in a restaurant.
In the middle of the attack. Hiding in a restaurant freezer. Happened so fast. Praying for the safety of everyone here x
— Laila Rouass (@lailarouass) August 17, 2017
Laila tweeted the developments as and when they happened.
Gunshots just heard. Armed police running down thw street looking for someone
— Laila Rouass (@lailarouass) August 17, 2017
Hearing 1 suspect just been shot
— Laila Rouass (@lailarouass) August 17, 2017
She was on a holiday with her daughter, Inez. But that turned out to be a petrifying experience.
Helicopter right above us. pic.twitter.com/FICvu97vaz
— Laila Rouass (@lailarouass) August 17, 2017
She even saw the lockdown of the city.
The whole of #lasRamblas and surrounding roads in lock down with armed police everywhere.
— Laila Rouass (@lailarouass) August 17, 2017
Two police officers in Barcelona were hurt when they were hit by a car.
Another car ploughed into police i am being told
— Laila Rouass (@lailarouass) August 17, 2017
She was in a restaurant near Las Ramblas when it all was happening.
Driver of Ford Focus has been shot dead
— Laila Rouass (@lailarouass) August 17, 2017
Soon they were rescued and she thanked the restaurant staff for keeping them safe.
Thank you to the staff at the restaurant for staying calm and keeping us safe. I love you Barcelona.
— Laila Rouass (@lailarouass) August 17, 2017
We are glad she and others in hiding were safe and sound.
Born to an Indian mother and a Morrocan father, Laila was born in London. In the 90s, she was a Channel V India VJ and then took on an acting career in Britain. She was seen on TV shows Footballers Wives, Holby City, Family Affairs and Hollyoaks, and reality show Strictly Come Dancing. She has also done a couple of Bollywood films. Presently, Laila is filming a Harlan Coben series called Safe for Netflix.
ISIS has taken the responsibility of the Barcelona attacks and people across the globe are condemning the attacks.