In a later update, the secretariat said that a third victim, a 48-year-old woman, suffocated in a nearby street.
Three people died of suffocation after huge crowds gathered in the streets of Mexico City to celebrate the country’s World Cup victory, the capital’s health secretariat said early Wednesday.The victims occurred in celebrations near the Angel of Independence Monument, where thousands of soccer fans gathered after Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the round of 32.Authorities said emergency teams responded to three people who were found unconscious in various locations along Paseo de la Reforma. The city’s main street and surrounding roads were closed to traffic to accommodate the celebrations.The health authority initially said on social media: “After receiving advanced resuscitation efforts, a 44-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were confirmed to have died due to suffocation.”In a later update, the secretariat said that a third victim, a 48-year-old woman, suffocated in a nearby street. She was taken to hospital but later died.Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada offered her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and urged people to “always celebrate responsibly, with care and with compassion.”
Celebrations erupted after Mexico achieved its first win in the knockout stages of a World Cup in 40 years. The hosts beat Ecuador 2-0 at Estadio Azteca to book their place in the round of 16.While jubilant supporters filled the streets with cheers and celebrations, videos shared on social media also showed paramedics and emergency responders treating people who had fallen on nearby roads.The Mexico City metropolitan area, home to more than 20 million people, regularly hosts large public gatherings and is accustomed to managing huge crowds during major events.
