More than nine people were killed including a child after a stage collapsed during a presidential rally in Mexico due to strong winds.
The strong gust of wind which picked up suddenly as candidates were chanting campaign slogans toppled the stage at the event held by presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez.
Several other people were injured during the incident which took place in the northern state of Nuevo Leon on Wednesday, May 22.
The President of Mexico Anndres Manuel confirmed that at least 63 people were injured.
In a video see by The Kenya Times, people who were on the stage could be seen running away while screaming and climbing out from under the metal polls.
Officials and police officers roamed the grounds after the incident while many sat nearby stunned.
Further Maynez revealed that he visited a hospital after the stage collapsed, assuring his supporters that he was in good health.
Also Read: Mexico Cuts Ties with Ecuador After Police Raid on Embassy
Presidential Rally in Mexico
The rally in San Pedro Garza Garcia, near the city of Monterrey, was organized by the center-left Movimiento Ciudano, or Citizen’s Movement.
The event was meant to promote Lorenia Canavati, mayoral candidate for San Pedro, and long-shot presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez.
Consequently, Máynez suspended upcoming campaign events saying “We will not be alone in this tragedy. The only important thing at this point is to care for the victims of the accident.”
The Presidential hopeful told reporters that he had first noticed the strength of the wind when he saw it almost sweep away the drum set belonging to the band that was scheduled to play that night.
“It is terrible that the people who came to enjoy a day of celebration, of joy, with us, with the band, are now victims of this tragedy,” Álvarez Máynez told reporters.
Álvarez further revealed that he was communicating with the state authorities to determine what had happened.
Mexican Leaders Send Condolence Messages
Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador sent a hug to the affected family members and friends of the victims.
Also Read: Lake Turkana Wind Power Appoints New CEO
Likewise, opposition coalition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez also sent a condolences message praying for quick recovery for victims of the incident.
“My condolences and prayers with the families of the dead, and my wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured,” wrote Gálvez in a social media post.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
