At least nine people were tragically killed when a stage collapsed at an election rally in northern Mexico. The incident occurred during the campaign rally of presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez on the outskirts of Monterrey in Nuevo Leon. Governor Samuel Garcia confirmed the fatalities and stated that 50 individuals had sustained injuries of varying degrees and were receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals. Máynez himself was taken to a hospital after the incident but is reportedly in good condition and has returned to the site.
The long-shot candidate representing the Citizens’ Movement Party has decided to suspend all campaign activities and remain in Nuevo Leon to support the victims and monitor the situation. Governor Garcia urged residents in the area to stay indoors due to severe storms and unusual winds. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador extended his condolences to the families, friends, and supporters of Máynez’s party, stating that the government is closely monitoring the situation.
The stage collapse occurred less than two weeks before Mexico’s presidential election, adding a somber tone to the campaign season. The Citizens’ Movement Party has suspended all planned activities, although it remains uncertain how long Máynez’s campaign will pause for. Máynez is currently polling in third place behind Morena Party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum and main opposition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez. Sheinbaum and Gálvez both offered their condolences and prayers to the victims’ families, with Sheinbaum canceling a rally in Monterrey in solidarity.
Prior to the incident, the Mexican meteorological authority had issued a warning about high winds with gusts of up to 43 miles per hour in Nuevo Leon, along with the potential for whirlwinds or tornadoes. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather conditions and the importance of safety precautions at public events. The aftermath of the stage collapse has prompted an outpouring of support and solidarity from political figures and citizens alike, as the community comes together to mourn the lives lost and support those affected by the devastating incident. As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the collapse, the focus remains on providing aid and support to the victims and their families during this difficult time.
