In the wake of a tragic incident where four lives were lost during celebrations of Mexico’s triumph over Ecuador, President Claudia Sheinbaum has assured international tourists that Mexico remains a secure travel destination. Sheinbaum addressed the situation, defending the actions of Mexico City’s authorities and announcing the implementation of new measures to manage large crowds at future public events. The president stressed that the unfortunate event should not deter tourism, maintaining that Mexico is still a safe place for travelers.
Following the incident, the United Kingdom updated its travel guidance, advising its citizens to exercise caution during upcoming festivities related to Mexico’s football matches. This advisory highlighted increased reports of mobile phone theft and drink spiking in crowded settings. Acknowledging these concerns, Sheinbaum noted that local authorities are already working on enhancing safety measures after the recent tragedy, where three individuals died from asphyxiation and another succumbed to a cardiac arrest amidst a crowd exceeding one million people near Paseo de la Reforma.
To alleviate crowd density, the Mexico City government, under Sheinbaum’s leadership, plans to install additional large screens along Paseo de la Reforma. This initiative aims to disperse spectators over a broader area and reduce the risk of dangerous crowd concentrations. Security personnel, along with officials from both the federal government and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, will continue to provide assistance and guidance to fans during upcoming celebrations. While managing such massive crowds poses a challenge, Sheinbaum emphasized the focus on public guidance rather than attempting to physically contain over a million attendees.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada has also declared that civil protection, healthcare, and public security measures will be reinforced ahead of the next major football celebration set for Sunday. Despite the deployment of approximately 15,000 police officers, including over 4,200 along Paseo de la Reforma, the previous event resulted in a deadly outcome. Brugada described the gathering as the largest public crowd in the city’s history, with an estimated 1.4 million people flooding the streets.
City officials are now advocating for fans to celebrate in multiple locations instead of congregating solely around the Angel of Independence monument. Authorities are promoting responsible alcohol consumption and considering imposing restrictions on alcohol sales in central areas during significant public events. Additional crowd management and safety measures are anticipated to be announced before the weekend, as officials brace for another large turnout.