In a heartbreaking event, nine people lost their lives and 54 were injured when a stage collapsed during a presidential campaign rally in San Pedro Garza García, Mexico. Heavy winds caused the stage to collapse, trapping many under the debris and briefly hospitalizing the presidential candidate, Jorge Álvarez Máynez.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
On a seemingly ordinary campaign day, tragedy struck as a strong gust of wind brought down the stage where Jorge Álvarez Máynez was addressing his supporters. The incident happened so quickly that there was little time for those on stage and nearby to react. Videos shared on social media show the moment of the collapse, with the large video screen and stage structure crashing down onto the stage and audience area.
Governor Samuel García Sepúlveda of Nuevo Leon confirmed that nine people were killed, including a minor, and at least 54 were injured. Rescue operations were immediately launched to save those trapped under the collapsed structure. Emergency services were quick to the scene, with numerous ambulances and heavily armed security personnel cordoning off the area and assisting the injured.
Eyewitness Accounts
Álvarez Máynez recounted the chaotic moments leading up to the collapse. “A gale came, a sudden wind, and unfortunately, it collapsed the stage, resulting in a fatal accident,” he told Reuters. The candidate described how the musicians’ drums were the first to be affected by the wind, and as the stage began to give way, people ran in all directions to escape the falling structure.
One eyewitness, a campaign supporter, described the scene as “absolute chaos” with people screaming and running for their lives. The sound of the collapse and the sight of the debris left many in shock.
Weather Conditions and Safety Measures
Nearby weather observations from Monterrey indicated thunderstorms with gusty winds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour (around 25 to 30 miles per hour). Experts suggest that a gust front, which occurs when gusty winds suddenly pick up and change direction from nearby thunderstorms, likely impacted the stage location.
Álvarez Máynez noted that Civil Defense teams had checked the structure before the event, but the severity of the wind gusts caught organizers by surprise. “The weather conditions were very atypical,” he said. “The rain didn’t last for even five minutes … it wasn’t even a storm, it was truly atypical what happened.”
Response and Investigation
In response to the tragedy, Álvarez Máynez suspended all campaign activities to remain in the state and monitor the situation and victims. “We have to have solidarity; there is nothing that can repair an accident, a damage of this nature, and [people] will not be alone in this tragedy and through the consequences that this tragedy will have in their lives,” he said.
Governor García Sepúlveda urged residents in the area to stay indoors, warning of more strong winds, thunderstorms, and rain. He also promised a thorough investigation into the incident to understand what went wrong and prevent future tragedies.
Political Context
The tragic event comes amid a heated and dangerous election season in Mexico. The upcoming election on June 2 is the largest in Mexico’s history, with approximately 70,000 candidates competing for over 20,000 positions, including the national presidency and nine state governorships.
Political violence has marred the election, with at least 28 candidates attacked and 16 killed so far this year, according to Data Cívica, a research group tracking election violence. The level of violence is on track to surpass even the bloodiest election cycles in Mexico’s past.
Jorge Álvarez Máynez, representing the center-left Citizens’ Movement party, was named the party’s candidate in January after Governor García Sepúlveda dropped out. Despite the Citizens’ Movement party’s efforts, Álvarez Máynez faces an uphill battle against frontrunners Claudia Sheinbaum, a former Mexico City mayor and ally of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and former senator Xochitl Gálvez, representing the opposition coalition.
Future Steps and Precautions
As the investigation unfolds, authorities and event organizers will need to reassess safety protocols for campaign rallies and other large gatherings. The incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and contingency plans to handle unexpected weather events.
The stage collapse at Jorge Álvarez Máynez’s campaign rally is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of natural elements and the importance of preparedness. As Mexico moves towards its historic election, the tragedy casts a shadow over the campaign season, highlighting the need for unity, safety, and thorough investigation to ensure such a catastrophe does not happen again.
