In the wake of a tragic incident during celebrations following Mexico’s recent football victory over Ecuador, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has reiterated the safety of the nation as a travel destination. Despite the unfortunate deaths of four individuals amid the festivities, Sheinbaum has assured international visitors that Mexico remains secure. She defended the response of authorities in Mexico City and announced the introduction of new measures aimed at better handling large crowds during public events, emphasizing that this tragedy should not deter tourists from visiting the country.
The United Kingdom updated its travel advisory for Mexico, advising citizens to remain cautious during upcoming celebrations related to Mexico’s football matches. This update came due to increased reports of mobile phone theft and drink spiking in crowded settings. Acknowledging these concerns, Sheinbaum noted that local authorities are already taking steps to enhance safety measures. The recent incident, which saw three people die from asphyxiation and another from a cardiac arrest amid a crowd exceeding one million near Paseo de la Reforma, has prompted these changes.
In response, the Mexico City government plans to install more large screens along Paseo de la Reforma to disperse spectators and avoid dangerous crowd concentrations. Security personnel from both the federal government and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection will continue assisting fans during future gatherings. Sheinbaum highlighted the challenges of managing such large crowds but stated that authorities are prioritizing public guidance over attempting physical containment of the masses.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada announced plans to bolster civil protection, healthcare, and public security measures in anticipation of the next major football celebration set for Sunday. During the previous event, around 15,000 police officers, including over 4,200 stationed along Paseo de la Reforma, were deployed, yet were unable to avert the deadly incident. The gathering was described as the largest public crowd in the city’s history, with an estimated 1.4 million people participating.
City officials are now encouraging fans to celebrate in multiple locations rather than convening solely at the Angel of Independence monument. In addition, authorities are promoting responsible alcohol consumption and contemplating restrictions on alcohol sales in central areas during large public events. Further crowd management and safety measures are expected to be announced before the weekend as preparations continue for another significant turnout.