A tragic incident occurred at a Mexican election campaign rally on Wednesday when a stage collapsed, resulting in the deaths of nine people and injuring dozens more. High winds dismantled the large, concert-style structure, causing chaos among politicians and attendees.
The rally, organized by the Citizens’ Movement party, took place in the northern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon. Samuel Garcia, the state’s governor, confirmed on social media that approximately 50 people were injured in the collapse. The victims included eight adults and one child. Governor Garcia also mentioned that he was heading to a hospital where three of the injured were undergoing surgery, while many others received treatment at local clinics.
Jorge Alvarez Maynez, the presidential candidate for the centrist Citizens’ Movement party, explained that a sudden gust of wind caused the stage to collapse during the event in San Pedro Garza Garcia, a wealthy suburb near Monterrey. Footage from the scene captured the moment the structure fell forward into the crowd, prompting immediate panic and a rush for safety.
“I’ve never experienced something so sudden,” Alvarez Maynez remarked to reporters, highlighting the unexpected and rapid escalation of the wind before the collapse. Having been cleared by a local hospital, Alvarez Maynez returned to the site of the disaster, announcing the suspension of his campaign activities. He also called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.
Laura Ballesteros, Alvarez Maynez’s campaign coordinator, was hospitalized with a broken foot, as confirmed by the party. Lorenia Canavati, a mayoral candidate for San Pedro Garza Garcia, stated on social media that she was collaborating with authorities to assist the victims and their families.
In response to the incident, members of Mexico’s national guard and army were deployed to the scene to provide support, as confirmed by Interior Minister Luisa Alcalde. Governor Garcia also issued a warning for residents to stay indoors due to strong thunderstorms in the region.
The Citizens’ Movement party faces a significant challenge in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for June 2. Alvarez Maynez is currently polling in third place, trailing behind Claudia Sheinbaum of the ruling party and Xochitl Galvez, who represents a broad opposition coalition.
The unexpected and devastating stage collapse has cast a somber shadow over the campaign, underscoring the unpredictable and sometimes perilous nature of large political gatherings. The focus now shifts to recovery and support for the victims and their families, alongside a comprehensive investigation to prevent such tragedies in the future.
