13-year-old dies after fountain collapses during World Cup celebrations in Ciudad Rodrigo, Spain
The accident occurred at the Arbol Gordo fountain in Ciudad Rodrigo shortly after midnight, as hundreds celebrated Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina.
The accident
A 13-year-old boy died and at least two other people were injured when the upper section of the Arbol Gordo fountain in Ciudad Rodrigo collapsed early on Monday. The accident occurred shortly after midnight, as hundreds of residents gathered at the monument to celebrate Spain's World Cup victory. Emergency services in Castile and León received multiple calls at around 00:30 local time reporting that the structure had given way. According to local media, several spectators had climbed onto the fountain, which then collapsed under their weight. Debris fell onto people standing in the water below. The teenager was taken to hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Two other injured people were transported to the Ciudad Rodrigo health centre; a second young person was also reported wounded.
Official response
Ciudad Rodrigo's town hall declared three days of official mourning. In a statement posted on social media, the municipality said flags would fly at half-mast from 20 to 22 July. "The entire city feels this loss and accompanies the minor's friends and family in their grief," the statement read. Local authorities also set up a Psychological Intervention Group to support the victim's family.
What should have been a celebration of the Spanish national team's World Cup victory has turned into a tragedy.
Celebrations cut short
Spain had defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the World Cup final on Sunday night, securing the country's second-ever title and its first since 2010. The match ended around midnight, sparking jubilant scenes across the country. In Ciudad Rodrigo, a walled medieval city of about 12,000 near the Portuguese border, hundreds flocked to the Arbol Gordo fountain in the city centre. The festive atmosphere turned to shock when the monument partially collapsed.
- Spain defeats Argentina 1-0 in extra time, celebrations begin across the country.
- Hundreds gather at the Arbol Gordo fountain in Ciudad Rodrigo; the upper part collapses, striking several people.
- Emergency services receive multiple calls reporting the collapse.
- Ciudad Rodrigo town hall declares three days of official mourning, flags to fly at half-mast.
- Flags at half-mast as city mourns.
- Up to one million people expected in Madrid for the national team's reception.
Investigation and aftermath
Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the collapse. Early reports suggest the fountain's structure failed under the load of people climbing on it. The tragedy overshadowed what was otherwise a night of national celebration. On Monday, up to one million people were expected to gather in central Madrid to welcome the national team home.
