Three people died in Mexico City on Tuesday night after being trapped in a crowd celebrating host Mexico’s World Cup victory over Ecuador.
The deaths occurred as thousands of fans gathered near the Angel of Independence landmark near Paseo de la Reforma Avenue, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, where traffic and preparations for the celebrations had taken place.
Early Wednesday, Mexico City’s health office said two women, aged 19 and 48, and a 44-year-old man died of suffocation on the street.
The victims were not immediately identified and officials have not provided additional details about the circumstances of the deaths.
Mexico City packed after World Cup victory
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada said on Twitter that “all emergency medical protocols were activated” after three people were found unconscious in separate locations near the landmark.
Fans took to the streets to celebrate after the Mexican national team beat Ecuador 2-0 at the Azteca Stadium, ending a 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout win.
Brugada said in a social media video Tuesday night that an estimated 1 million people were celebrating in the streets of Mexico City and urged the public to avoid heading into the city.
Improvised bands popped up on street corners, while people pulled carts loaded with rockets called “Toritos” through the packed streets. After the victory, fans celebrated and fired fireworks into the sky over the capital.
But amid the fanfare, photos shared on social media showed emergency responders and paramedics tending to distraught people lying on the ground.
Mayor Brugada called on fans to “always celebrate with responsibility, care and empathy.”
Edited by: Rana Taha