Three people died in Mexico City on Tuesday night after being caught in a crowd crush during celebrations of host Mexico’s World Cup victory over Ecuador.
The deaths occurred as thousands of fans gathered near the Angel of Independence landmark along one of the city’s main boulevards, the Paseo de la Reforma avenue, which had been to traffic and set up for the celebrations.
Early Wednesday, Mexico City’s health office said that two women aged 19 and 48, and a 44-year-old man died of suffocation in the street.
The victims were not immediately identified and authorities have not provided additional details about the circumstances of the deaths.
Mexico City packed after World Cup victory
Mexico City mayor, Clara Brugada, said on X that “all emergency medical protocols were activated” after three people were found unconscious at different locations near the landmark.
Fans took to the streets to celebrate after the Mexican national team beat Ecuador 2-0 at Azteca Stadium, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory.
Brugada said in a social media video on Tuesday night that an estimated 1 million people were celebrating in the streets across Mexico City and urged the public to avoid heading downtown.
Improvised bands sprang up on street corners, while people pulled carts loaded with rockets known as “toritos” through the packed streets. After the victory, fireworks filled the sky above the capital as fans celebrated.
But amid the fanfare, images shared on social media showed emergency responders and paramedics tending to distressed people lying on the ground.
Mayor Brugada called on fans to “always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy.”
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Edited by: Rana Taha
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