Tragedy strikes Mexico election rally; 9 killed as stage collapses.
A major accident during an election campaign has left 9 dead, including a child, with around 50 injured in Mexico’s northern state. Presidential hopeful Jorge Alvarez Maynez’s rally witnessed a horrific incident of the lighting stage collapsing due to a sudden strong wind gust in San Pedro Garza Garcia near Monterrey.
As the candidate delivered his speech, a powerful gust blew away the musical instruments on stage before people scrambled in panic. Though Maynez was unhurt, several from his team suffered injuries. State Governor Samuel Garcia, who visited the hospital, informed about the deceased and those undergoing treatment.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador expressed grief over the tragedy and extended support to affected families.
Suspending further campaigns, a shocked Maynez said the weather event occurred within seconds, casting a gloomy shadow during the heated elections.
Garcia, too, alerted people to weather vagaries as thunderstorms and winds swept the region. Frontrunners Claudia Sheinbaum and Xochitl Galvez also reacted with condolences, canceling campaigns in solidarity.
In the already marred poll climate, the San Pedro mishap has dealt a massive blow with barely weeks left for the final vote. Investigations are on to ascertain lapses, if any.
