The celebration of the Antzar Eguna de Lekeitio ended this Saturday in tragedy after a young man of 20 years lost his life during the festivities. The accident took place early in the afternoon at the port, when the young man fell from one of the safety barriers installed in the area to follow the traditional goose test.
The fall occurred from a height of approximately two meters and caused the young man to suffer a cardiac arrest, according to sources from Cruz Roja.
Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene. An ambulance and two mobile ICUs were dispatched, whose medical personnel performed resuscitation maneuvers for several minutes. Ultimately, they could do nothing to save the young man's life, who died at the same point of the accident.
Lekeitio cancels the festive program
Thousands of people were at the port of Lekeitio this Saturday to attend one of the central days of the festivities. The goose test was taking place normally when the accident occurred.
Once the death was confirmed, the City Council of Lekeitio and the Festival Commission announced over the loudspeaker the suspension of all official events that were scheduled for the rest of the day.
The authorities expressed their condolences and support to the family and loved ones of the young man and requested that attendees leave the venue in an orderly and calm manner.
The Ertzaintza moves to the port
The Department of Security of the Basque Government received the alert around 4:00 PM. The Ertzaintza arrived at the scene to assist the emergency services and take charge of the corresponding actions. For now, no further details have emerged about the circumstances surrounding the fall.
The Antzar Eguna, one of the most crowded and traditional celebrations of Lekeitio, is held every year at the beginning of September. The day this Saturday has been suspended following the young man's death.