How to catch db_connect Exception?

Hello!
In my code I have

PHP Code:

$DB = db_connect(self::DB_GROUP); 


If DB_GROUP is wrong I have "ERROR - 17-03-2023 07:39:36 --> Error connecting to the database: mysqli_sql_exception: Access denied for user"
How I can cover this code in Exception?

PHP Code:

try {
    $DB = db_connect(self::DB_GROUP);
} catch (DatabaseException | Exception $e) {
    log_message('error', "Could not connect to external database");
    return [];
} 


But this block try...catch is not working...I have no log message and my script is falling, but I want execute return [].


P.S. I found a solution, but I don't like it at all

PHP Code:

if ($DB = db_connect(self::DB_GROUP)) {
    try {
    // ...my query
    } catch(DatabaseException $e) {
        return ['error' => 'error']
    }
}