Celebrations of Spain’s second men’s World Cup title ended in tragedy in Ciudad Rodrigo, where a 13-year-old boy died after part of a public fountain collapsed.
The accident occurred at approximately 12.33am on Monday at the Glorieta del Árbol Gordo, a traditional gathering point in the city, which lies in the province of Salamanca in western Spain.
Supporters had gathered at the fountain following Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in New Jersey. Several people were reportedly standing inside or climbing on the structure when its upper section gave way.
Boy trapped beneath fallen stone
A piece of the fountain fell onto the 13-year-old, trapping him beneath the debris. Police officers and emergency workers attempted to free him before he was taken to a local medical centre, where he died from his injuries, according to El País.
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Another minor suffered a broken leg and was admitted to hospital in Salamanca in a serious condition. A third young person sustained minor injuries, as reported in an updated EFE account.
Earlier reports offered conflicting figures for the number of people injured, with some outlets reporting two and others three. The updated information from EFE identified one serious injury and one minor injury in addition to the fatality.
The precise cause of the collapse is being investigated. Although numerous people were gathered on and around the fountain, authorities have not yet issued a final conclusion on why the structure failed.
Three days of mourning declared
Ciudad Rodrigo’s city council expressed its condolences to the boy’s family and announced three days of official mourning.
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“The entire city of Ciudad Rodrigo feels this loss and stands beside the family and friends of the minor in their grief,” the council said.
“What should have been a celebration of the Spanish national team’s World Cup victory has become a tragedy for the whole community of Ciudad Rodrigo.”
Flags on municipal buildings will fly at half-mast from July 20 to July 22, according to the council’s statement reported by 20 Minutos.
The incident followed Spain’s victory in the 2026 men’s World Cup final, not the country’s Women’s World Cup triumph in 2023 as initially stated. Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute against Argentina to secure Spain’s first men’s title since 2010.
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