San Juan fiestas toned down after tragedy

A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy was killed during the San Juan fiestas in Alicante. The annual celebrations were tinged with sadness as the youngster was killed when a firework   exploded in the San Blas area of the city.

He was taken to Alicante General Hospital with serious injuries and underwent surgery overnight, but doctors said that despite having done “everything possible” he died due to the “severity of injuries.”

Police are investigating whether it was a legal firework and say it had been placed inside a can which acted like a bomb when it was set off, with a piece of shrapnel hitting the boy’s neck. They are looking for a 14 year-old boy to question in relation to the incident.

Following the accident the planned ‘mascletà’ the following day did go ahead as planned, but Alicante City Council held five minutes of silence in mourning for the youngster. A black ribbon wreath was also placed on one of the bonfires.

A family funeral has been held for the youngster.