Nine people lost their lives and around 50 others sustained injuries when strong winds caused a stage to collapse during an election campaign event in north-eastern Mexico on Wednesday evening. The tragic incident occurred in the city of San Pedro Garza García, near Monterrey.
Nuevo León Governor Samuel García, who was present at the scene, confirmed that nine individuals, including a minor, perished in the accident. He also reported that 50 people suffered medium to serious injuries, with at least three individuals undergoing surgery.
“If you can, avoid going out because there are storms and atypical winds,’’ Governor García advised in a post on social media platform X.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador expressed his sorrow over the incident on X, stating, “I regret the accident in San Pedro Garza García.”
The mishap took place during a rally for presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez of the small centre-left Movimiento Ciudadano party. Máynez, who was on stage with a mayoral candidate and others at the time of the collapse, was unharmed.
Eyewitness accounts and videos shared on social media captured the moment the massive stage structure gave way, falling onto the crowd and causing widespread panic.
The campaign event, meant to galvanize support ahead of Mexico’s upcoming elections on June 2, turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy. The elections include presidential, parliamentary, and regional contests.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the collapse, with rescue operations continuing late into the night. Authorities are investigating the structural integrity of the stage setup and the weather conditions that led to the catastrophic event.
In the wake of the tragedy, there have been calls for enhanced safety protocols at public events, particularly in light of the extreme weather conditions that have been affecting the region. The campaign team for Jorge Álvarez Máynez has temporarily suspended all activities as a mark of respect for the victims and their families.
Governor García emphasized the importance of adhering to weather warnings and taking necessary precautions to avoid further incidents. He also assured the public that support and resources are being mobilized to assist those affected by the disaster.
As the nation mourns the victims, there is a collective call for unity and resilience. The tragedy has underscored the need for stringent safety measures and the unpredictable nature of environmental challenges facing public gatherings.
