13 year old boy dies after fountain collapses during Spain World Cup celebrations

What should have been a night of celebration after Spain’s FIFA World Cup victory turned into heartbreak when a 13-year-old boy died following the collapse of part of a historic fountain in the town of Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca.

The fatal accident happened shortly after midnight on Monday, July 20, as hundreds of people gathered to celebrate Spain’s triumph. Emergency services were called after part of the stone structure at the Glorieta del Árbol Gordo gave way while people were standing on it.

Young victim trapped beneath collapsing structure

According to emergency services, the alarm was raised at around 12.33am after multiple calls reported that the upper section of the fountain had collapsed with people on top of it.

Police officers, firefighters from Salamanca Provincial Council, Guardia Civil and medical teams rushed to the scene. Rescue crews worked to remove heavy stone debris and free those trapped underneath.

The 13-year-old boy was taken to the local health centre but later died from his injuries despite efforts to save him. Several other people were also injured in the collapse and received medical treatment. Authorities have not released further details about their conditions.

Town declares official mourning

Ciudad Rodrigo’s council expressed its condolences to the boy’s family, describing the incident as a devastating tragedy for the entire community.

The local authority announced three days of official mourning, with flags flying at half-mast from July 20 to July 22. Psychological support teams were also deployed to help the victim’s relatives following the incident.

Investigation into collapse begins

Officials have launched an investigation to determine exactly why the fountain failed.

Local reports say the Glorieta del Árbol Gordo has long been a traditional gathering point whenever major sporting victories are celebrated, and it is common for supporters to climb onto the monument during festivities. Witnesses reported that numerous people had climbed onto the fountain moments before part of the structure suddenly gave way. Investigators will now examine whether overcrowding contributed to the collapse.

The tragedy cast a sombre shadow over celebrations taking place across Spain following the national team’s World Cup victory, with messages of sympathy quickly replacing scenes of jubilation as news of the fatal accident spread throughout the country.