At Least 9 Killed in Stage Collapse at Mexico Presidential Rally
A tragic event unfolded in Mexico during a presidential campaign rally, leaving at least nine people dead and approximately 50 injured.
Stage Collapse at Mexican Rally Leaves Many Dead and Injured
The incident occurred in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo León state, at a rally for center-left candidate Jorge Alvarez Maynez. A sudden gust of wind caused a section of the stage to collapse.
#UPDATE Four people died and 15 others were injured when a stage collapsed during a campaign rally for Mexican presidential candidate Jorge Alvarez Maynez, said President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
On his X social media account, the president quoted a report from the governor… pic.twitter.com/22540EpRPm
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) May 23, 2024
Source: Twitter/AFP News Agency
Thankfully, Maynez himself escaped unharmed, though some members of his team were injured.
Witness Accounts of the Stage Collapse
Witnesses described the terrifying scene. They reported hearing screams and seeing people scramble for safety as the lighting structure gave way.
Maynez recounted the rapid sequence of events, from the initial wind gust to the stage collapsing in a matter of seconds.
Mexico in Mourning After Deadly Stage Collapse
State Governor Samuel Garcia confirmed the death toll included eight adults and one child. He expressed his condolences and urged residents to stay indoors due to the dangerous weather conditions.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador also offered his support to the victims' families.
Presidential Candidate Maynez Suspends Campaign Events
Maynez, the 38-year-old candidate for the Citizens' Movement party, is currently in third place in national polls. Following the tragedy, he suspended all upcoming campaign events.
His rivals, Claudia Sheinbaum of the ruling Morena Party and Xóchitl Gálvez of the opposition coalition, have also cancelled upcoming appearances in the region. Both candidates expressed their condolences to the victims' families.
deadliest Election Season in Mexico’s History
This incident adds another layer of tragedy to an already violent election season in Mexico.
According to a recent survey, nearly 200 public servants, politicians, and candidates have been killed or threatened in the lead-up to the June 2nd election.
This is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those involved in Mexican politics.
This is a developing news story. We will continue to update this blog with the latest information as it becomes available.
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