A 13-year-old boy has tragically died following the partial collapse of a fountain in Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca province, northwestern Spain, during celebrations for the national football team's World Cup victory. The incident, which also left two other young people injured, occurred around 00:30 local time (23:30 BST) as jubilant fans gathered at the Árbol Gordo fountain.
Emergency services confirmed that one of the injured children was taken to hospital with a possible broken bone in their leg. Local media reports suggest that part of the fountain structure gave way after several individuals climbed onto it to celebrate Spain's 1-0 triumph over Argentina in the World Cup final, secured by a Ferran Torres goal in extra time.
Ciudad Rodrigo's town hall expressed its sorrow on social media, stating, "What was supposed to be a celebration for the victory in the Spanish National Football Team's World Cup has turned into a tragedy." Emergency services for Castilla y León received multiple calls regarding the collapse, prompting a swift response from local police, the Civil Guard, the fire brigade, and emergency medical teams, including a mobile intensive care unit.
The regional government's website for Castilla y León confirmed that the emergency medical service later requested the Civil Guard's presence at the local health centre to investigate the boy's death. Furthermore, psychological support for the grieving family has been activated by the Civil Guard. The city council has extended its hopes for a swift recovery to all those affected by the incident.
Spain's victory marks their second World Cup title, following their initial win in 2010. This tragic event in Spain follows other fatalities reported during World Cup celebrations elsewhere. Earlier this month, three people died from suffocation in Mexico City's celebrations, and a 30-year-old man also passed away after an epileptic crisis.