Stage collapses at Mexican election rally
Presidential elections are to be held in Mexico on June 2. Political parties are busy campaigning vigorously. Meanwhile, a stage collapsed at a Mexican election campaign rally on Wednesday. Nine people died and dozens were injured due to the stage collapse. According to officials, strong winds broke the large structure, causing the politicians and people present there to scatter.
At least 63 people were injured at a Citizens Movement party rally in the northern Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, Governor Samuel Garcia told reporters. The victims included eight adults and one child. They were quickly rushed to the hospital where three people were undergoing surgery. The director of Mexico’s Social Security Institute said that many of the injured were being treated in local clinics.
How did the stage collapse?
Citizens Movement party presidential candidate Jorge Alvarez Menez said the stage collapsed due to a gust of wind at the event in the city of San Pedro Garza Garcia, an affluent enclave near Monterrey’s industrial center. Video of the accident shows the structure suddenly plunging forward into the crowd, sending politicians onto the stage and panicked people running for cover.
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Political campaigning has been suspended for the time being. Alvarez Menez expressed hope that the authorities will investigate this process with transparency. According to the party, Álvarez Menez’s campaign coordinator Laura Ballesteros was hospitalized with a broken leg.
Warning given to people
Governor Garcia warned residents to stay indoors amid strong thunderstorms in the area. Weather officials have predicted more rain, strong winds and lightning in many parts of the county in the coming hours.
Alvarez Menez is in third place in Mexico’s June 2 presidential election, far behind ruling party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum and second-place finisher Xochitl Galvez, who represents a broad opposition coalition.