In the wake of a tragic incident during celebrations following Mexico’s victory over Ecuador, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has assured that the nation remains a secure destination for tourists. Addressing concerns after four people died amidst the festivities, Sheinbaum defended the response of local authorities and announced new strategies to manage large crowds at future public gatherings. She emphasized that the unfortunate event should not deter tourism, affirming that Mexico continues to be safe for travelers.
The president’s remarks came after the United Kingdom updated its travel advice, recommending caution during Mexico’s upcoming football-related celebrations. This advisory highlighted a rise in mobile phone theft and incidents of drink spiking during crowded events. Acknowledging these issues, Sheinbaum mentioned that additional safety measures are being implemented following the incident, where three people succumbed to asphyxiation and one suffered a fatal cardiac arrest amidst over a million spectators gathered near Paseo de la Reforma.
To alleviate crowd congestion, the Mexico City government plans to install more large screens along Paseo de la Reforma, allowing spectators to spread out across a larger area. Sheinbaum noted that security personnel and officials from the federal government and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection will continue to support and guide fans at future gatherings. Recognizing the difficulty in managing such massive crowds, she stated that authorities are concentrating on public guidance rather than trying to physically control the more than one million attendees.
Additionally, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada announced enhancements to civil protection, healthcare, and public security measures ahead of the next major football celebration slated for Sunday. During the previous event, around 15,000 police officers, including over 4,200 stationed along Paseo de la Reforma, were deployed but could not prevent the tragic outcome. Brugada described the gathering as the largest in the city’s history, with an estimated 1.4 million people participating.
City officials are now promoting celebrations at multiple venues instead of solely around the Angel of Independence monument. Authorities are also advocating for responsible alcohol consumption and considering restrictions on alcohol sales in central areas during significant public events. Further crowd management and safety measures are anticipated to be announced before the weekend as officials brace for another large turnout.