Celebrations Turn Deadly
Massive celebrations on the streets of Mexico City after the national team’s victory over Ecuador in the World Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday turned deadly, leaving at least four people dead after huge crowds overwhelmed the city centre.
Footage shows thousands of fans packed shoulder to shoulder, with people screaming and pleading for others to stop pushing as the crush intensified. Vendors can also be seen trapped in the crowd.
“No matter how much you tell them not to push, not to shove, they still move side to side. People who are trying to stand up get pushed and fall on top of others. What was experienced here was truly a tragedy,” said an on-site witness, who also took part in the celebrations and appeared with dirty clothes and one shoe missing after being swept up in the crowd.
“The news won’t say it. The news won’t report any of this, obviously, much less will it appear on social media,” he continued.
Death Toll Rises
Three people died from asphyxiation during the crush, while a fourth died in hospital on Wednesday after suffering status epilepticus, seizures and gastrointestinal bleeding, authorities said.
“There are things that make you trip: planters, trees that make you trip, and you fall there. And even if you try not to step on them, people push you. […] It’s your decision if you want to come. Just take many precautions,” the witness added.
Authorities opened investigations into the deaths as prosecutors work to establish exactly what happened. President Claudia Sheinbaum and Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada offered condolences to the victims’ families and pledged government support.
Safety Review Planned
Officials stated they increased security, imposed alcohol restrictions in parts of the city and set up dozens of giant public screens to spread crowds across multiple locations. Despite those measures, an estimated 800,000 to one million people gathered around the Angel of Independence.
Authorities say they will review crowd-control plans before Mexico’s Round of 16 match against England on July 5, amid more large celebrations expected.
Article by Viory
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