
Tragedy Strikes Mexico Election Rally as Stage Collapse Claims Nine Lives
May 23, 2024 World
In a devastating incident at an election rally in Mexico's northern Nuevo León state, at least nine people, including a child, lost their lives, and approximately 50 others sustained injuries when part of the stage collapsed. The tragic event occurred in San Pedro Garza Garcia, near Monterrey, while centre-left presidential candidate Jorge Alvarez Maynez was delivering a speech.
Governor Samuel Garcia confirmed the fatalities, which included eight adults and one child. He also noted that three of the injured required surgery following the collapse. The incident was attributed to a sudden gust of wind, according to Mr. Maynez, who posted about the cause on social media platform X.
Helping at the scene after the collapse
Footage circulating online shows the lighting structure giving way while numerous individuals were on stage. Mr. Maynez, who escaped unharmed, was seen addressing supporters and helping at the scene after the collapse. Social media videos capture the chaos as the crowd screamed and fled from the collapsing stage.
Mr. Maynez described the incident to reporters: “What we experienced happened in just a few seconds: A gale came, a sudden wind, and unfortunately, it collapsed the stage, resulting in a fatal accident.”
Storms and atypical winds
Governor Garcia urged residents to stay indoors due to ongoing thunderstorms and strong winds. "If you can, avoid going out because there are storms and atypical winds. I will keep you informed," he wrote on X.
Suspension of the upcoming campaign events
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador expressed his condolences, extending "a hug to family members, friends of the victims, and political supporters." In response to the tragedy, Mr. Maynez announced the suspension of his upcoming campaign events. Claudia Sheinbaum, of the ruling Morena Party, also cancelled her scheduled appearance in nearby Monterrey, and opposition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez expressed her sympathies and hopes for the swift recovery of the injured.
The lead-up to the June 2 election has been marked by significant violence. A recent survey by Mexican political consultancy Integralia reported that around 200 public servants, politicians, and candidates have faced threats or been murdered in the pre-election period. However, there have been no previous incidents at campaign events.
This tragedy highlights the perilous nature of the current political climate in Mexico, as the nation prepares for one of the most dangerous elections in its history.