Mexico City’s World Cup celebrations turned tragic on Tuesday, after three people died from suffocation as huge crowds flooded the streets following the country’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador.
The victims, a 19-year-old woman, a 48-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man, were among more than one million fans who gathered, mainly around the Angel of Independence monument in downtown Mexico City, to celebrate Mexico’s first World Cup knockout-stage victory since 1986.
According to the city’s health authority, emergency services responded to three unconscious people at different locations along Paseo de la Reforma. Paramedics performed first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) before transporting them to hospital, where all three were later confirmed dead from suffocation.
Mexico City Mayor, Clara Brugada expressed her condolences to the victims’ families and said the city would provide support in the coming days. She also urged supporters to celebrate “with responsibility, care and empathy.”
The celebrations erupted across the capital, including at the Estadio Azteca, with fireworks continuing long after the final whistle. Earlier in the day, Brugada had advised fans planning to gather near the Angel of Independence to seek alternative locations because of the overwhelming crowds.
Mexico’s victory secured a place in the Round of 16, where they could face England if the Europeans defeat DR Congo.
