Maxico Election Rally Among than nine child dead.
At least nine people, including a child, have tragically lost their lives, and about 50 others have been injured after a stage partially collapsed during an election rally in Mexico’s northern Nuevo León state. The local governor confirmed these figures, painting a grim picture of the incident’s impact.
The collapse occurred as Jorge Alvarez Maynez, a center-left presidential candidate, was delivering a speech in San Pedro Garza Garcia, a city near Monterrey. Fortunately, Mr. Maynez escaped uninjured and was seen speaking to his supporters shortly after the incident. However, he did mention that several members of his team were among the injured.
Mr. Maynez attributed the collapse to a sudden and unexpected gust of wind. In a post on the social media platform X, he explained that the wind came without any forewarning, describing it as an “atypical [weather] event.” He expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noting how quickly the disaster unfolded. “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,
Footage of the incident, which has circulated online, shows the dramatic moment when the lighting structure of the stage gave way. The video captures Mr. Maynez waving to his supporters before quickly moving to the back of the stage as he realized the structure was collapsing. The chaotic scene included screams from the crowd and people fleeing from the falling debris.
Mr. Maynez recounted the moments leading up to the collapse, saying he first noticed the musicians’ drums were at risk of being blown away by the strong wind. “When the others noticed, they ran in different directions; some jumped to the sides and I jumped back,” he said.
State Governor Samuel Garcia confirmed that the victims included eight adults and one child,child .He added that three of the injured individuals required surgery after being taken to a local hospital. Following his hospital visit, Mr. Garcia took to social media to warn local residents about the ongoing thunderstorms and strong winds in the area, urging them to stay indoors for safety. “If you can, avoid going out because there are storms and atypical winds. I will keep you informed,” he wrote on X.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador expressed his condolences, sending “a hug to family members, friends of the victims and political supporters.” The President’s message highlighted the national significance of the tragedy, emphasizing the loss felt across the country.
Jorge Alvarez Maynez, 38, is the candidate for the Citizens’ Movement party. He is currently trailing in third place in the national polls, behind Claudia Sheinbaum of the ruling Morena child Party and Xóchitl Gálvez from the opposition coalition. The tragic incident adds another layer of complexity to an already heated and dangerous election period.
Originally, Mr. Garcia was the Citizens’ Movement Party’s candidate. However, a dispute over who would take over as governor while he campaigned led to Mr. Maynez stepping into the presidential race instead. Mexican law requires officials to step down if they run for another office, prompting this last-minute switch. Consequently, Mr. Maynez entered the presidential race in January, several months behind Ms. Sheinbaum and Ms. Gálvez, who began their campaigns in September. His prior role as campaign coordinator means he is relatively less known compared to the front-runners.
In light of the incident, Mr. Maynez announced the suspension of his upcoming campaign events. Similarly, Ms. Sheinbaum canceled an appearance in nearby Monterrey scheduled for Thursday. Ms. Gálvez also expressed her sympathy, writing on social media, “My condolences and prayers with the families of the dead, and my wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured.”
This incident underscores the dangerous atmosphere surrounding the upcoming election, which is set for June 2. A recent survey by Mexican political consultancy firm Integralia reported that around 200 public servants, politicians, and candidates have been murdered or threatened in the lead-up to the election. While this incident marks the first reported tragedy at a campaign event, it adds to the tension and concern surrounding the election.
The election season in Mexico is proving to be one of the most deadly in the nation’s history. The tragic stage collapse not only highlights the unpredictable nature of such large gatherings but also the broader risks facing candidates and political supporters in the current climate. As the election date approaches, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all involved and mourning the loss of those who have tragically died.