A 13-year-old boy has died and two people were injured after a fountain partially collapsed in western Spain, marring celebrations of the country’s second-ever football World Cup victory. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on Monday in Ciudad Rodrigo, a medieval city of approximately 12,000 residents in Salamanca province, close to the Portuguese border.
Hundreds had gathered at the Arbol Gordo fountain in the city centre when its upper section broke away, striking several individuals, according to regional emergency services. Ciudad Rodrigo’s town hall has since issued a statement expressing its condolences for the victim, saying the entire city feels the loss and accompanies the minor’s friends and family in their grief.
The tragedy occurred as thousands took to the streets across the country until the early hours of Monday after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup. Waving red and gold flags, Spaniards and fans from around the world watched as La Roja realised the dream of winning the trophy for the second time following an extra-time goal by Ferran Torres in New Jersey.
Torres’ goal came 16 years and eight days after Andres Iniesta also scored in extra time to lift the Spaniards to their first World Cup with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands. In Madrid, many danced in the streets, set off fireworks and launched red flares, while in Barcelona, revellers set fireworks off and partied on the beaches at the start of what promised to be a long night of celebrations.
Spain fans waved flags and cheered in the streets of the neighbourhood where Spain’s teenage forward Lamine Yamal grew up. The 19-year-old Lamine learned to play football on the streets of Rocafonda, a working-class, multi-ethnic area of Mataro, a coastal city about 30 km (19 miles) north of Barcelona.
The World Cup victory has brought widespread celebrations across Spain, but for the family and friends of the 13-year-old boy, the occasion has turned into a tragedy.
