The incident occurred near the Angel of Independence monument, where thousands of football fans gathered to celebrate the national team's victory, which secured a place in the Round of 16.
MEXICO CITY: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 2nd, 2026) Three people died from suffocation after being caught in overcrowded conditions during celebrations in Mexico City following Mexico's 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, health authorities said Thursday.
The incident occurred near the Angel of Independence monument, where thousands of football fans gathered to celebrate the national team's victory, which secured a place in the Round of 16.
According to the Mexico City Health Secretariat, emergency teams responded to reports of three unconscious individuals at different locations along Paseo de la Reforma, a major boulevard that had been closed to traffic for the celebrations.
Authorities confirmed that a 44-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman died despite receiving advanced resuscitation efforts. Later, officials announced that a 48-year-old woman, who suffered asphyxiation on a nearby street, also died after being taken to hospital.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada expressed condolences to the victims' families and urged the public to celebrate responsibly, stressing the importance of safety and consideration for others during large public gatherings.
Mexico's victory over Ecuador ended the country's 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage win and sparked nationwide celebrations, with thousands of supporters taking to the streets of the capital.
Videos shared on social media showed emergency responders treating fans who had collapsed in the densely packed crowds, highlighting the scale of the celebrations and the challenges faced by emergency services.
The Mexico City metropolitan area, home to more than 20 million residents, is accustomed to hosting large public events. However, the tragedy has prompted renewed concerns over crowd control and safety measures during major celebrations.
