Spain's FIFA World Cup victory celebrations turned fatal after part of a fountain collapsed in the town of Ciudad Rodrigo in Salamanca province, northwestern Spain, killing a 13-year-old boy and injuring two other minors. The incident occurred late on Sunday night when large crowds had gathered to celebrate the country's World Cup triumph. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the accident.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup final. Following the victory, millions of people celebrated across the country. In Ciudad Rodrigo, large crowds gathered around the well-known Arbol Gordo fountain. According to eyewitnesses, several people climbed onto the fountain's structure to dance and celebrate. Shortly afterwards, part of the fountain suddenly collapsed, causing panic at the scene.
According to local emergency services, the 13-year-old victim sustained critical injuries and was taken to a medical centre, where doctors were unable to save him. Authorities later confirmed his death.
Two other children were injured in the incident. One is suspected to have suffered a fractured leg and remains under treatment in hospital. The other is reported to be in stable condition.
Local police, the Civil Guard, firefighters and medical teams responded immediately after receiving reports of the collapse. Emergency medical units transported the injured to hospital and secured the area.
According to the local administration, additional emergency response teams were deployed to bring the situation under control. Authorities evacuated people from the surrounding area and temporarily closed the site.
Regional authorities said psychological support is being provided to the family of the deceased teenager. Officials stated that such incidents can have a deep psychological impact on families and the wider community, and specialist assistance is being made available.
The local administration also expressed condolences to the victim's family and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Local authorities and investigating agencies have begun a detailed inquiry into the cause of the accident. According to preliminary information, excessive pressure on the fountain's structure after a large number of people climbed onto it caused part of the structure to collapse.
Officials said technical experts will also examine the fountain's construction quality and structural condition as part of the investigation to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The accident has raised questions about safety management during large public celebrations. Experts said crowd control around historic monuments, fountains and other public structures is essential during major public events.
They said adequate security arrangements, barricading and police supervision can substantially reduce the risk of such accidents.
This is not the first fatal incident reported during FIFA World Cup celebrations. Earlier this month, several people died in incidents involving suffocation and health-related emergencies during World Cup celebrations in Mexico City.
Experts said safety measures should be strengthened to manage large crowds following major sporting events.
