Horse rider drowns after river fall in Spain

A 45-YEAR-OLD horse rider has died in Spain today (Sunday) after falling from his mount and being swept away by the fast-flowing current.

The accident happened in the town of Paracuellos del Jarama, northeast from Madrid and very close to Madrid-Barajas Airport.

Witnesses quickly alerted the emergency services and two helicopters were drafted in to help in the search for the rider.

Firefighters in an inflatable boat also helped search the river.

The man’s lifeless body was eventually found around one-kilometre downstream from where he fell in.

The horse managed to get out of the water by himself and did not need attention.