Investigation launched after fountain collapse kills boy during Spain World Cup celebrations

A 13-year-old boy has died and two other young people were injured following the partial collapse of the Árbol Gordo fountain in Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca province, Spain. The incident occurred around 00:30 local time on 20 July 2026, during public celebrations of the Spanish national football team’s 1-0 World Cup victory over Argentina.

Emergency services for the Castilla y León region received multiple reports of the structural failure. According to the regional government’s website, the emergency medical service dispatched a mobile intensive care unit and a basic life support ambulance to the scene. One injured child was taken to hospital with a possible broken leg, while the condition of the second injured young person was not further specified in initial reports.

Local media attributed the partial collapse to people climbing on the structure to celebrate Spain’s win. Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final on Sunday, 19 July 2026, with Ferran Torres scoring in extra time. The victory marks Spain’s second World Cup title, their first since 2010.

The Castilla y León regional government’s emergency medical service has requested the presence of the Civil Guard at the local health centre to investigate the death of the boy, who was treated there. The service also directed the Civil Guard to activate psychological support for the victim’s family. Ciudad Rodrigo’s town hall notified local police regarding the incident.

In a statement posted on social media, Ciudad Rodrigo’s town hall described the event as a tragedy that marred the celebration of the country’s second World Cup title. The council expressed hope for the speedy recovery of the other affected individuals. This incident follows other fatalities reported during World Cup celebrations earlier this month in Mexico City.