Identical twin brothers, both 11 years old, drowned in the Ter River in Manlleu, near Barcelona, after leaving their home to play football. Their bodies were discovered on Tuesday.
A rescue operation involving drones and divers located the boys. Police found the twins' clothing on the river bank approximately two hours before finding their bodies. Fingerprinting is expected to confirm their identities.
The boys' father reported them missing on Monday night after they failed to return home for dinner at 9 p.m. One brother was found around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, with the second discovered an hour later nearby. Investigations are underway, and autopsies are anticipated to confirm drowning as the cause of death after they experienced difficulties in the water.
According to local reports, the brothers, who were not strong swimmers, entered the river to cool off after playing football. Officials in Manlleu have declared two days of mourning for the community. The local council expressed condolences for the loss and offered support to the family and friends of the deceased. Flags will be flown at half-mast as a sign of respect, and a minute's silence is scheduled to be held in front of the town hall.