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Three people were crushed to death in Mexico City after a million fans took to the streets to celebrate Mexico’s qualification for the last 16 of the World Cup.
Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca on Tuesday night, with goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez seeing the co-hosts through in what was their first knockout win in 40 years.
They could face England at the same venue on Sunday if Thomas Tuchel’s men overcome DR Congo on Wednesday, an occasion the nation would relish.
However, they will now head into their next knockout tie with this historic triumph tinged with tragedy.
The official account of the secretary of public health in Mexico City confirmed a 44-year-old man, a 19-year-old woman and a 48-year-old woman had died from asphyxiation after celebrations erupted in the capital, all close to Paseo de la Reforma in the centre of the city.
Clara Brugada, the head of government in Mexico City, wrote on her X account: “As reported by @SSaludCdMx, the emergency teams of Mexico City immediately attended to the report of three unconscious individuals at different points near Paseo de la Reforma. All medical response protocols were activated; however, sadly, they lost their lives.
“We are in contact with their families to provide them with all the necessary support and accompaniment.
“With my heart in my hand, I send a hug and my most sincere condolences to their loved ones. We reiterate the call to always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy.”
It comes after fans were tear-gassed earlier on Tuesday in Monterrey, with police resorting to these measures to control crowds as fans scaled fences at the Parque Fundidora, where giant screens televised the match.
A tense atmosphere had engulfed the meeting with Ecuador right from the build-up, partly down to the geopolitical rift between the two nations.
Mexico fans gathered late Monday night outside of Ecuador’s hotel in Mexico City where they used horns, drums, motorcycles and cars, alongside DJ’s to cause disruption for their rivals.
Then during the match, Mexico fans were been accused of using a chant considered homophobic, consisting of a one-word slur that means male prostitute in Spanish, usually occurs when the opposing goalkeeper is taking a goal kick.
