Stage Collapse at Mexico Political Rally Kills Five, Injures Dozens Amid High Winds (video)
At least five people were killed and dozens more injured when part of a stage collapsed during a campaign rally in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The rally was attended by long-shot presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez, who escaped unharmed, according to officials.
Terrifying video footage captured the moment a strong gust of wind caused the top of the stage to crumple, with at least seven people standing on stage for the Citizens Movement party event. Álvarez Máynez, seen smiling and waving to the crowd, looked up as the beams began to shake loose. He and several others sprinted for safety, while some were seen cowering in place.
The collapse resulted in at least five fatalities, with around 50 people injured, including some who were trapped. Álvarez Máynez later posted on social media, confirming his safety after being taken to a local hospital, but mentioned that members of his team were among the injured. He attributed the tragedy to a sudden gust of wind.
Álvarez Máynez was a key speaker at the event alongside the Mayor of San Pedro, Lorenia Canavati. Canavati had earlier shared an image of the stage, noting its structure supported by eight beams, and inviting people to the event at El Bishop Baseball Field.
Samuel Garcia, the governor of Nuevo Leon and a prominent member of the Citizens Movement party, issued a taped statement acknowledging the injuries and attributing the stage collapse to strong winds. The campaign event was one of many leading up to the June 2 presidential, state, and municipal elections. Álvarez Máynez is currently trailing in the polls behind front-runner Claudia Sheinbaum of the ruling Morena Party and opposition candidate Xóchitl Gálvez.
