Mexico City is mourning three deaths after massive crowds celebrating the national team’s World Cup victory caused fatal suffocation incidents on Tuesday.
A 19-year-old woman, a 48-year-old woman, and a 44-year-old man all died during the scenes of jubilation that swept through the capital following Mexico’s 2-0 win over Ecuador.
The capital’s health authority confirmed the deaths on Wednesday, stating that all three victims had been identified by their families following the tragic events.
Emergency services attended to three unconscious individuals at separate locations along the Paseo de la Reforma before transporting each of them to hospital for urgent treatment.
“After performing first aid and CPR techniques on the patients, they were transferred to a hospital for specialised medical care,” the city’s health authority said.
More than one million people flooded the streets of Mexico City, gathering mainly around the iconic Angel of Independence monument in the downtown area.
The celebrations marked Mexico’s first World Cup knockout stage victory since 1986, a milestone that clearly resonated deeply with supporters across the country.
City Mayor Clara Brugada expressed her “most sincere condolences” to the families of the victims and pledged support to them in the coming days.
Prior to the match, Brugada had warned fans hoping to gather near the Angel of Independence monument to find alternative viewing locations due to the already enormous crowds assembling there.
In a social media post following the announcement of the deaths, Mayor Brugada urged supporters to “always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy.”
Mexico’s famous Estadio Azteca also erupted with wild celebrations after the final whistle, with fireworks visible across large parts of the city long into the night.
More than 20 million people live in Mexico City’s wider metropolitan area, making it one of the most densely populated urban centres anywhere on the planet.
Tuesday’s result sends Mexico through to the World Cup’s round of 16, where they could potentially face England if Thomas Tuchel’s side defeat DR Congo on Wednesday.
