Stage Collapse at Mexico Campaign Rally
Nine people were killed and more than 50 were injured during after a stage collapsed under heavy winds at a campaign rally in Mexico on Wednesday (May 22).
Details of the Incident
- A presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez was taken to hospital after being injured in the incident.
- Around 50 people were also injured, Nuevo Leon Governor Samuel Garcia said on social media.
- The director of Mexico’s social security institute said that dozens were being treated at local clinics.
Eye-Witness Accounts
The victims included eight adults and one child, Governor Garcia said, adding that he was headed to a hospital where three people were in surgery.
Heavy wind caused the stage to collapse at the event in San Pedro Garza Garcia, said Jorge Alvarez Maynez, the presidential candidate for the centrist Citizens’ Movement party.
Response and Actions Taken
- After being cleared at a local hospital, Alvarez Maynez returned to the scene of the accident.
- He announced the suspension of his campaign activities and expressed hope that authorities would thoroughly investigate the incident, calling for transparency in the process.
Alvarez Maynez’s campaign coordinator Laura Ballesteros was hospitalized with a broken foot, according to the party, and mayoral candidate for San Pedro Garza Garcia, Lorenia Canavati, wrote on social media that she was coordinating with authorities to support those impacted and their families.
Government Response
Members of Mexico’s national guard and army were on the scene to provide support, Interior Minister Luisa Alcalde said on social media.
Governor Garcia warned residents to stay indoors amid strong thunderstorms in the area.
Political Impact
Alvarez Maynez is polling in third place in Mexico’s presidential election set for June 2. He is trailing far behind ruling party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum and second-place Xochitl Galvez, who represents a broad opposition coalition.
