Four individuals have died in Mexico City following celebrations for Mexico‘s World Cup victory over Ecuador. Among the deceased are a 19-year-old woman, a 48-year-old woman, and a 44-year-old man, all of whom succumbed to suffocation. Additionally, a 30-year-old man died after experiencing an epileptic crisis.
The deaths occurred as more than one million people gathered in the streets, primarily around the Angel of Independence monument in downtown Mexico City. This mass gathering was to commemorate Mexico‘s first World Cup knockout stage win since 1986.
Tragedy Amidst Celebration
The capital’s health authority confirmed the deaths, stating that emergency services had treated three unconscious individuals at various locations along Paseo de la Reforma. These individuals were then transported to a hospital for specialized medical care. Despite advanced resuscitation efforts, the three individuals died from suffocation and were later identified by their families.
The mass crush that led to the deaths occurred near the Angel of Independence monument, specifically on Hamburgo and Lancaster Streets. Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada extended her condolences to the victims’ families and pledged support. She also urged fans to celebrate responsibly, with care and empathy, in a social media post after the deaths were announced.
Before the match, Mayor Brugada had advised fans to seek alternative viewing locations due to the already large crowds gathering near the Angel of Independence monument. Mexico City‘s metropolitan area is home to over 20 million people, making it one of the most densely populated places globally.
Chaotic Scenes and Fan Behavior
The 2-0 victory over Ecuador sparked widespread celebrations, with fireworks visible across large parts of the city long after the final whistle. This win advances Mexico to the World Cup‘s round of 16, where they are scheduled to face England, who defeated DR Congo 2-1.
In other parts of the country, celebrations also saw chaotic scenes. In Monterrey, police deployed tear gas against fans who had gathered to watch the match on giant screens at Parque Fundidora. Reports indicated that pepper spray and tear gas were used to prevent fans from rushing gates and fences, leading to a stampede as officials attempted to close doors to the event.
Footage from Monterrey showed individuals pushing through iron gates and damaging temporary barricades in attempts to enter the event. One video depicted a fan pouring water into a woman’s eyes, who appeared to be struggling with the effects of pepper spray. Supporters were also seen scaling fences at the event, located approximately 600 miles north of the Estadio Azteca.
Prior to the match, Mexico fans gathered outside Ecuador‘s hotel in Mexico City, using horns, drums, motorcycles, cars, DJs, and fireworks to disrupt the opposing team’s sleep. During the game, Mexico fans used a chant considered homophobic in the first half when Hernán Galíndez took his first goal-kick. This marks the second instance of the chant being used in the tournament, resulting in fines for the Mexican Federation from Fifa. The chant originated during a match between Mexico and the US in a 2004 Olympic Games qualifying tournament in Guadalajara and gained wider recognition during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Meanwhile, police have commended England fans in the United States for their behavior during the tournament. There have been five arrests involving England fans across the competition, with only two occurring at a match. The head of the UK Football Policing Unit, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, noted the excellent behavior of both England and Scotland fans throughout the group stages of the World Cup.
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Source: bbc.com
