Tragedy Strikes as Stage Collapses at Mexican Presidential Candidate’s Campaign Rall
A stage collapsed in northern Mexico on Wednesday as strong winds gusted through a presidential candidate’s campaign rally, leaving at least five people dead and around 50 others injured, authorities said.
The incident occurred in the town of San Pedro Garza Garcia, part of the metropolitan area of Monterrey in Nuevo Leon, during a campaign event for longshot presidential candidate Jorge Alvarez Maynez of the Citizens’ Movement party.
Images of the accident showed chaos as the structure supporting the stage toppled over, with a giant screen falling on the stage where Maynez and party members were standing. Governor Samuel Garcia of Nuevo Leon confirmed the tragic news, describing the accident as a “tragedy.”
Maynez, 38, stated that he was safe and in communication with authorities following the incident. He expressed concern for the victims and pledged to stay at the scene until all injured individuals were taken to the hospital.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador offered his sympathies to the families of those affected, attributing the accident to strong winds. Maynez’s party announced that all campaign events would be suspended in solidarity with the victims.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moment when the structure came crashing down on the candidates and supporters, causing panic and hysteria. Opposition presidential candidate Xochitl Galvez and frontrunner Claudia Sheinbaum also expressed solidarity with those affected.
The tragic event comes just days before the June 2 presidential election in Mexico, where voters will choose a new president, members of Congress, several state governors, and local officials. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
