A STRONG gust of wind toppled the stage at a campaign rally on Wednesday evening in the northern Mexican State of Nuevo Leon, killing at least nine people - including a child - and injuring 63. The collapse occurred during an event attended by presidential long-shot candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez, who ran to escape. Videos of the collapse on social media showed people screaming, running away and climbing out from under metal polls. The victims “will not be alone in this tragedy,” Máynez told reporters on Wednesday night, adding that he had suspended upcoming campaign events. Afterward, soldiers, police and other officials roamed the grounds of the park where the event took place while many nearby sat stunned and haunted by the tragedy.

 

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said he “sends a hug to family members, friends of the victims and political supporters.” Condolences poured in from across Mexico, including by other presidential candidates. In a video message, Nuevo Leon Gov Samuel Garcia, a leading member of Máynez’s Citizens Movement party, asked residents to shelter in their houses for the next two hours. He provided the death toll of at least five and dozens injured. Máynez wrote in his social media accounts that he went to a hospital after the accident in the wealthy suburb of San Pedro Garza Garcia, near the city of Monterrey.

 

He said he was in good condition. “The only important thing at this point is to care for the victims of the accident,” he wrote. Miguel Treviño, the Mayor of San Pedro Garza Garcia, wrote in his social media accounts, “My prayers are with the victims.” Campaign events are being held this week and next in anticipation of the June 2 presidential, State and municipal elections. Videos of the accident showed Máynez waving his arm as the crowd chanted his name. But then he looked up to see a giant screen and metal structure toppling toward him.