Tue, 21 Jul 2026

 

13-year-old boy dies while celebrating Spain's World Cup victory
 
By: Abara Blessing Oluchi
Mon, 20 Jul 2026   ||   Nigeria,
 

A 13-year-old boy has died after part of a fountain collapsed during celebrations of Spain's FIFA World Cup triumph in Salamanca province, northwestern Spain.

The tragic incident happened at about 12:30 a.m. local time in Ciudad Rodrigo, where crowds had gathered at the Árbol Gordo fountain to celebrate Spain's victory over Argentina in the World Cup final.

The teenager was among several young people inside the fountain when its upper section suddenly gave way, crashing onto those gathered beneath it.

Emergency responders and police cleared the rubble and rescued the boy before rushing him to a nearby health centre. However, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the facility.

Two other young people sustained injuries in the collapse, including a child who was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg, according to emergency services.

In a statement, the Ciudad Rodrigo City Council expressed its condolences to the victim's family and described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy.

"What should have been a celebration of the Spanish national team's World Cup victory has turned into a tragedy for the entire community of Ciudad Rodrigo," the council said.

The council also wished the injured victims a speedy recovery and announced that flags would fly at half-mast from July 20 to July 22 in honour of the deceased.

Spain secured its second FIFA World Cup title on Sunday with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina, thanks to Ferran Torres' decisive goal. The triumph marked the country's first World Cup success since winning the tournament in 2010.

 

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