At least four people were killed and more than 1,600 others injured after massive crowds celebrating Round of 32 victory at the FIFA World Cup overwhelmed Mexico City.
As per the details, three of the victims, two women aged 19 and 48 and a 44-year-old man, died from asphyxiation near the Angel of Independence, where hundreds of thousands of fans gathered following Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador.
The fourth victim, a 30-year-old man, died in hospital after suffering an epileptic seizure, gastrointestinal bleeding and subsequent cardiorespiratory arrest, the Mexico City Public Health Secretariat said.
Authorities said emergency medical teams treated 1,615 people during the celebrations, of which dozens were hospitalised.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged full government support for the investigation.
“On behalf of the Mexico City government, we express our deepest sorrow over the deaths of those who lost their lives during the celebrations,” Brugada said, adding that authorities would provide all necessary support to the victims’ families.
The celebrations followed Mexico’s first World Cup knockout-stage victory in 40 years, with the hosts defeating Ecuador at the Estadio Azteca to book a place in the Round of 16.
Officials estimated that up to 1.4 million people filled the city’s streets, with the largest crowds gathering around the Angel of Independence along Paseo de la Reforma.
In a separate incident linked to the celebrations, authorities in the northwestern state of Baja California said a 44-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death after his vehicle struck a supporter while fans were shaking his truck.
Authorities have launched investigations into both incidents as Mexico continues its World Cup campaign.
