Girl, 9, crushed to death by falling rocks while swimming in natural pool at Spanish beauty spot as woman, 24, injured

A GIRL was crushed to death by rocks while swimming in a natural pool at a Spanish beauty spot and a woman was also injured in the tragedy.

The child was cooling off in one of the natural pools at Fontcalda, Tarragona, when a cliff face suddenly gave way, sending huge boulders crashing into the water.

Several rocks broke loose from the gorge wall and struck the two victims as they relaxed in the swimming area.

Emergency crews, including firefighters, three ground support teams and a doctor from the Medical Emergency System, rushed to the scene along with a helicopter.

Despite frantic efforts to save her, the young girl could not be revived.

A 24-year-old woman was also pulled from the area by rescuers after being trapped by the falling rocks.

She was airlifted to hospital in a serious condition and remains in a critical state.

The Estrechos de la Fontcalda pools are a popular spot for both locals and tourists, known for their natural beauty and crystal-clear waters.

But officials warned that the area’s location between mountains means falling rocks and natural collapses are a major risk, particularly when large numbers of visitors gather.

Witnesses and members of the girl’s family were left devastated by the tragedy, with psychologists brought in to provide support and create a safe space for those affected.

Specialist officers from the regional police’s Mountain Unit, assisted by a helicopter, later recovered the child’s body after investigators gave permission.

The local council expressed its “deepest condolences” and support to the girl’s family during the “painful moments”.

Safety experts have urged visitors to remain vigilant around natural pools and avoid sitting directly beneath cliffs or unstable rock faces.

Both the victims nationalities have not yet been released and it is not known whether they were related.

The tragedy follows another harrowing incident involving a Brit tourist, 50, who was crushed by a loose rock in Lefkada, Greece.

She had been visiting the Nidri waterfalls when the horror ordeal took place.

After a desperate rescue operation by the Fire Department, she was rushed to Lefkada hospital in a critical condition.

Doctors reported she suffered severe head injuries and had to be intubated on Monday.

Other tourists were also injured in the sudden rockfall, but only suffered minor injuries.

Witnesses later told local media that they had to seek cover as the rocks plunged to the ground.

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