The tragic collapse of a stage during an election campaign rally in northern Mexico has resulted in the loss of at least nine lives, including that of a minor, and left nearly 50 others injured. The incident occurred during a rally for the Citizens' Movement party in the state of Nuevo Leon, prompting scenes of chaos as gusty winds tore down the stage.
Governor Samuel Garcia confirmed the devastating toll, expressing his regret over the loss of life and providing updates on the injured. The injured were swiftly transported to local clinics for treatment, with reports indicating that their conditions were stable.
The sudden and unforeseen collapse of the stage underscored the severity of the situation, with Jorge Alvarez Maynez, the presidential candidate for the Citizens' Movement party, expressing shock at the incident. After briefly returning to the scene following medical clearance, Maynez announced the suspension of the campaign and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Amid the aftermath, efforts were made to coordinate support for the victims, with Mayoral candidate Lorenia Canavati and her team working alongside authorities to ensure that those affected received the necessary attention and assistance.
The response to the incident was swift, with Mexico's national guard and army mobilized to provide support on the ground. Additionally, Interior Minister Luisa Alcalde affirmed the government's commitment to aiding those impacted by the tragedy.
As the investigation unfolds and the community grapples with the aftermath, Governor Garcia urged residents to remain indoors amid the adverse weather conditions in the area. The incident has cast a somber shadow over Mexico's upcoming presidential election, with Alvarez Maynez currently trailing in third place behind his rivals.
