A 13-year-old boy died and two or three people were injured after the Árbol Gordo fountain partially collapsed in Ciudad Rodrigo during celebrations of Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup win in Salamanca province, western Spain [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11].
The collapse happened shortly after midnight local time on July 20, around 00:30 to 00:33, as crowds gathered at the fountain for mass celebrations of Spain’s second World Cup victory since 2010 [1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11]. Numerous people climbed onto the fountain, which gave way under the weight [1, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11].
Among those injured, one child suffered a possible broken leg and was taken to hospital. Another young person was also reported injured [1, 7, 11].
The town hall of Ciudad Rodrigo, a city with roughly 12,000 residents, expressed deep sorrow. It called the event a tragedy that marred the celebrations and offered condolences to the victim’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 [1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10].
Local emergency services and the Civil Guard responded immediately, providing medical aid and activating psychological support for the boy’s family [1, 9].
The fountain collapse was one of several incidents during nationwide celebrations following Spain’s win. Reports indicate two deaths in total during the festivities, including the 13-year-old and another man who suffered a seizure, more than 80 injuries across the country, and at least 12 arrests in multiple cities [12].
Authorities continue to investigate the fountain collapse and ongoing public safety concerns during large celebrations.
The Civil Guard and local officials remain engaged in the response and investigation as Spain mourns the loss less than two weeks after the World Cup final.
