Tragedy in Neuquén: young man decapitated by professional pyrotechnics after World Cup final

A 24-year-old man died and three others were injured, including a 13-year-old adolescent, in a pyrotechnic accident following the 2026 World Cup final in Neuquén, Argentina. The incident occurred in a remote area of the Z1 neighborhood after the match, where the group was handling a professional-grade firework device in a homemade mortar. The explosion instantly decapitated the young man and caused injuries ranging from first-degree burns to a cranial trauma Source: Infobae.

The incident

The group used a 'torta grande' type pyrotechnic device, which is not for public sale and requires trained handling Source: Lavozar. The mortar was homemade, and the explosion occurred while they were activating the device Source: Clarín. Police commissioner Juan Carlos Barroso stated that the area was chosen for its isolation, suggesting awareness of the explosive power Source: Infobae.

Dangers of professional pyrotechnics

The device originated from a company in Santa Fe province and is strictly regulated by the National Agency for Controlled Materials. Its sale is limited to authorized companies for public shows. Barroso emphasized that 'this material has a lot of explosive charge, it is very dangerous and is not to be handled by untrained people' Source: Lavozar. Despite a decade-long ban on pyrotechnics in Neuquén, a black market exists Source: Clarín.

Investigation

Authorities are investigating how the illegal material reached the individuals. The Homicide Prosecutor's Office is handling the case, with fiscal Inaudi leading the inquiry. The injured were initially taken to Hospital Heller and later transferred to private facilities .