At least nine individuals have been killed, together with a toddler, and about 50 have been injured after a part of a stage collapsed at an election rally in Mexico’s northern Nuevo León state, the native governor has mentioned.
The incident occurred as centre-left presidential candidate Jorge Alvarez Maynez was delivering a speech within the metropolis of San Pedro Garza Garcia, close to Monterrey.
Mr Maynez was unhurt within the collapse, and was seen talking to supporters following the incident. Several members of his crew had been harm, he mentioned.
The collapse was brought on by a sudden gust of wind, Mr Maynez said in a post on X.
Footage has emerged apparently exhibiting the second the lighting construction collapsed as a variety of individuals have been on the stage.
Video posted on social media confirmed Mr Maynez waving to his supporters after which operating to the again of the stage for security as he realised a part of the construction was toppling over.
People will also be heard screaming and operating from the stage.
“What we experienced happened in just a few seconds: A gale came, a sudden wind, and unfortunately, it collapsed the stage, resulting in a fatal accident,” Mr Maynez instructed reporters at the scene, in keeping with the AP information company.
The victims have been eight adults and one youngster, State Governor Samuel Garcia mentioned.
Three of these injured required surgical procedure, he added, following a go to to a neighborhood hospital.
Posting on social media, Mr Garcia urged native residents to remain indoors due to thunderstorms and robust winds within the space.
“If you possibly can, keep away from going out as a result of there are storms and atypical winds. I’ll hold you knowledgeable,” he wrote on X.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador mentioned he was sending “a hug to members of the family, mates of the victims and political supporters”.
Mr Maynez, 38, is the candidate of the Citizens’ Movement celebration and is at present trailing in third place in nationwide polls behind Claudia Sheinbaum of the ruling Morena Party and Xóchitl Gálvez, from the opposition coalition.
Mr Maynez introduced that he would suspended upcoming campaign occasions, and Ms Sheinbaum mentioned she had cancelled an look in close by Monterrey on Thursday.
“My condolences and prayers with the families of the dead, and my wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured,” Ms Gálvez wrote on social media.
The lead-up to the election, which is because of happen on 2 June, has been among the many most dangerous within the nation’s historical past.
A recent survey by Mexican political consultancy firm Integralia mentioned some 200 public servants, politicians and candidates have been murdered or threatened within the lead as much as the ballot. There have been no reported incidents at campaign occasions.
