MEXICO CITY: Celebrations across Mexico City turned deadly after at least four people died of suffocation in a stampede during street parties marking the national team’s first FIFA World Cup pre-quarterfinal appearance in 40 years.
Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32 earlier in the day to advance to the last 16, a milestone the country last reached in 1986.
According to the city administration, more than one million people took to the streets afterward, with crowds converging around the Angel of Independence monument in central Mexico City. Fireworks were set off and celebrations continued late into the night in several areas.
Emergency services said they provided first aid and CPR to three unconscious people at different locations during the crush and transferred them to hospital. All three later died of suffocation, the Health Department reported.
The deceased were identified as a 19-year-old girl, a 48-year-old woman, a 44-year-old man and a 30-year-old man, officials said.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada expressed condolences to the victims’ families and pledged the city’s full cooperation. In a post on social media, she urged supporters to “always celebrate the festival with responsibility, caution and compassion.”
Authorities did not say whether additional injuries were reported.
Mexico will next face the winner of the Brazil vs. Portugal Round of 32 match in the pre-quarterfinals.
