Stage Collapse at Campaign Event in Mexico Leaves 9 Dead

SAN PEDRO GARZA GARCIA, Mexico—A tragic incident occurred at a Mexican election campaign rally on Wednesday when a stage collapsed due to high winds, resulting in the death of nine people and injuring many others. The large structure, resembling a concert stage, was torn apart by the strong winds, causing chaos among politicians and attendees.

According to Samuel Garcia, the governor of Nuevo Leon, at least 63 people sustained injuries during the rally organized by the Citizens’ Movement party in the northern Mexican state. Among the casualties were eight adults and one child, with three individuals currently undergoing surgery at a local hospital. Many of the injured are receiving medical attention at nearby clinics, as reported by the director of Mexico’s social security institute.

Jorge Alvarez Maynez, the presidential candidate for the Citizens’ Movement party, explained that a sudden gust of wind led to the collapse of the stage at the event held in San Pedro Garza Garcia, a well-off neighborhood near Monterrey.

Footage of the incident captured the moment when the structure fell forward into the crowd, causing politicians and attendees to scramble for safety in panic.

Mr. Alvarez Maynez expressed astonishment at the rapid escalation of the wind before the stage collapsed, describing it as an unprecedented event.

Following the incident, Mr. Alvarez Maynez, who returned to the accident site after being discharged from the hospital, announced the suspension of campaign activities. He urged authorities to thoroughly investigate the cause of the collapse and emphasized the need for transparency in the process.

The campaign coordinator Laura Ballesteros is hospitalized with a broken foot, confirmed by the party. Meanwhile, Lorenia Canavati, the mayoral candidate for San Pedro Garza Garcia, stated on social media that she is working with authorities to assist those affected and their families.

Mexico’s national guard and army personnel were present at the scene to provide assistance, as mentioned by Interior Minister Luisa Alcalde on social media.

Due to severe thunderstorms in the region, Governor Garcia advised residents to remain indoors. Weather experts predicted further rain, strong winds, and lightning in various parts of the county in the upcoming hours.

Mr. Alvarez Maynez is currently polling in third place for Mexico’s presidential election scheduled for June 2, trailing behind Claudia Sheinbaum, the ruling party candidate, and Xochitl Galvez, who represents a vast opposition coalition.

Both Ms. Galvez and Ms. Sheinbaum expressed their condolences to the victims’ families on social media. Ms. Sheinbaum canceled a planned rally in Monterrey on Thursday evening as a show of respect.

By Daniel Becerril, Brendan O’Boyle, and Kylie Madry