A 13-year-old boy died in Spain after a fountain collapsed during celebrations of the national team's World Cup victory over Argentina. The incident occurred at the Arbol Gordo fountain in Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca, in the northwest of the country.
Details of the Incident
According to the BBC, two other young people were injured, with one child taken to hospital with a possible broken leg. The Ciudad Rodrigo local police, Salamanca Civil Guard, fire brigade, and Sacyl emergency medical services responded to the alert shortly after midnight. Hundreds of thousands of fans had taken to the streets across Spain to celebrate Los Rojos' extra-time win, their second-ever World Cup title.
The upper part of the fountain's structure reportedly fell onto several people. The 13-year-old received treatment at Ciudad Rodrigo's health centre but later died.
Official Response and Mourning
Mayor of Ciudad Rodrigo, Marcos Iglesias Carisaid, said: "I couldn't be more dismayed by this tragic news. I join in the grief of the entire family and friends over this loss. What was a day of celebration has turned into a tragedy for all of us in Ciudad de la Mirada. I hope for the swift recovery of the injured. R.I.P."
The city council declared three days of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast from July 20 to July 22. A statement read: "The City Council of Ciudad Rodrigo expresses its sorrow and condolences over the death of the 13-year-old child. The entire city of Ciudad Rodrigo mourns this loss and stands with the child's family and friends in their grief."
Community Reaction
Local team Ciudad Rodrigo CF expressed dismay, stating: "The entire town and the club are dismayed by the news we have received on a very tough and very dark day in our history. We are at a loss for words on days as difficult as those that life puts in our path."
The tragedy overshadowed Spain's World Cup triumph, which saw Ferran Torres score the winning goal in extra time. The match was held in the US, with Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino presenting the trophy to Spain captain Rodri.
