At least nine dead after stage collapses at Mexico campaign rally
Al Jazeera
A child was reported to be among the dead after a stage collapsed during strong winds at a rally in Nuevo Leon state.
A stage in northern Mexico has collapsed as strong winds gusted through a presidential candidate’s campaign rally, leaving at least nine people dead and about 50 others injured, authorities said.
The collapse occurred on Wednesday during a campaign rally for the Citizens’ Movement party in the city of San Pedro Garza Garcia in Nuevo Leon state. Video on social media showed the structure falling forward into the crowd, sending screaming attendees scattering.
“I have just visited Clinic 7 and I regret to report that so far the number of people who died in the accident amounts to 8 adults and 1 minor. The injured who are in this clinic are now stable,” Nuevo Leon Governor Samuel Garcia said in a post on X.
Returning to the scene of the accident after being cleared at a local hospital, Jorge Alvarez Maynez, the Citizens’ Movement party presidential candidate, said he hoped authorities would investigate what had happened, requesting transparency in the process.
“I’ve never experienced something so sudden,” said Alvarez Maynez, referring to how suddenly the wind picked up.