A joyful celebration of Spain’s FIFA World Cup triumph turned tragic in the early hours of Monday after a section of a historic fountain collapsed in the western Spanish city of Ciudad Rodrigo, killing a 13-year-old and injuring two other people.
The fatal incident occurred shortly after midnight at the Arbol Gordo fountain, where hundreds of residents had gathered to celebrate Spain’s second World Cup title. According to emergency services, the upper portion of the monument suddenly gave way, crashing into the crowd assembled around the landmark.
The deceased was identified as a 13-year-old, while two other people sustained injuries and received medical attention. Authorities have not yet released details about the condition of the injured or the cause of the collapse.
Ciudad Rodrigo, a medieval walled city with a population of about 12,000, is located in Salamanca province near Spain’s border with Portugal. The town had been filled with jubilant fans celebrating the national team’s World Cup success before the festive atmosphere was shattered by the accident.
Local authorities expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to the victim’s family and the wider community.
In a statement, Ciudad Rodrigo’s town hall said the city was united in grief following the heartbreaking incident.
“What should have been a celebration of the Spanish national team’s World Cup victory has turned into a tragedy,” the statement read.
Officials are expected to investigate the structural failure of the fountain to determine what caused the collapse and whether safety concerns had been overlooked.
The incident has cast a shadow over nationwide celebrations marking Spain’s historic World Cup victory, with messages of sympathy pouring in for the victims and their families.
