Boy, 13, dies as Spain World Cup celebrations turn into tragedy | Football | Sport
Spain’s World Cup victory celebrations were overshadowed by tragedy after a 13-year-old boy died when a fountain collapsed in the north-west of the country. Two further youngsters sustained injuries, with one child hospitalised with a suspected broken leg, according to the BBC.
Jubilant supporters were revelling in Los Rojos’ extra-time victory over Argentina, as the nation enjoyed their second-ever World Cup win following Ferran Torres’ extra-time strike. However, disaster struck when the Arbol Gordo fountain in Salamanca’s Ciudad Rodrigo partially gave way.
Local police from Ciudad Rodrigo, the Salamanca Civil Guard, fire crews, and Sacyl emergency medical services rushed to the scene after receiving an alert in Spain past midnight. Those celebrating in and around the fountain were caught up in the incident as hundreds of thousands of fans flooded the streets throughout Spain.
The upper section of the fountain’s structure is understood to have crashed down onto several individuals, including the 13 year old boy, who received treatment at Ciudad Rodrigo’s health centre before tragically passing away.
Mayor of Ciudad Rodrigo, Marcos Iglesias Carisaid: “I couldn’t be more dismayed by this tragic news. I join in the grief of the entire family and friends over this loss. What was a day of celebration has turned into a tragedy for all of us in Ciudad de la Mirada. I hope for the swift recovery of the injured. R.I.P.”
Three days of mourning are to be observed across the city. A statement read: “The City Council of Ciudad Rodrigo expresses its sorrow and condolences over the death of the 13-year-old child.
“The entire city of Ciudad Rodrigo mourns this loss and stands with the child’s family and friends in their grief.
“What should have been a celebration of the Spanish national team’s victory in the World Cup has turned into a tragedy for the entire community of Ciudad Rodrigo.
“The City Council also wishes a speedy recovery to the other people who were affected by the incident. As a sign of mourning for this loss, the City Council’s flags will fly at half-mast from July 20 to July 22.”
Local side Ciudad Rodrigo CF stated: “The entire town and the club are dismayed by the news we have received on a very tough and very dark day in our history. We are at a loss for words on days as difficult as those that life puts in our path.”
