Three people lost their lives in Mexico City due to suffocation during mass celebrations following the country’s World Cup victory. The capital’s health secretariat confirmed the deaths in the early hours of Wednesday. The victims were a 44-year-old man, a 19-year-old woman, and a 48-year-old woman, who all succumbed to suffocation amidst the crowded streets.
The deaths occurred near the Angel of Independence landmark, where thousands of fans had gathered to celebrate Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the last 32. Emergency teams were on the scene, tending to unconscious individuals at different locations around Paseo de la Reforma, the capital’s most emblematic boulevard. The area had been closed to traffic and set up for the celebrations.
The health authority initially confirmed the deaths of the 44-year-old man and the 19-year-old woman on social media, stating that they had received advanced resuscitation efforts but unfortunately did not survive. The third fatality was confirmed in a later post, with the 48-year-old woman passing away after being taken to hospital. Clara Brugada, the mayor of Mexico City, expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and urged everyone to celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy.
The celebrations marked a significant milestone for Mexico, as the national team ended a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout victory. The fans’ euphoria was palpable, with cheering and chants filling the streets, but it was also marred by images of emergency responders and paramedics tending to distressed individuals lying on the ground. With a population of over 20 million residents, Mexico City’s metropolitan area is no stranger to large celebrations and huge crowds of people.
