13-year-old boy dies as fountain collapses in Spain

A 13-year-old boy was killed and several others were injured early Monday when part of a historic fountain collapsed during celebrations of Spain's FIFA World Cup victory in the western town of Ciudad Rodrigo. The tragedy cast a pall over nationwide festivities following the national team's 1-0 win over Argentina in the final.

Emergency services reported receiving multiple calls shortly after 12:30 a.m. local time on July 20, 2026, after the upper section of the Arbol Gordo fountain gave way. Hundreds of residents had gathered at the monument in the city center to celebrate Spain's first men's World Cup title since 2010. Authorities said the boy was taken to a local health center but succumbed to his injuries. At least two other people were injured, with one reported to be in serious condition with a broken leg.

In a statement, the Ciudad Rodrigo municipality expressed profound sadness and extended condolences to the boy's family. "What should have been a celebration of the Spanish national team's World Cup victory has turned into a tragedy," the town hall said, adding that the entire community shares in the grief. The local authority declared three days of official mourning,...