In the wake of a tragic incident during celebratory events in Mexico City, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has reassured international visitors about the country’s safety as a travel destination. This reassurance comes after four people lost their lives while celebrating Mexico’s victory over Ecuador. Speaking on the matter, Sheinbaum defended the actions of the city’s authorities and announced the introduction of new measures to manage large crowds during future public events. She insisted that despite the tragedy, Mexico remains a safe place for tourists.
The president’s statements followed an update from the United Kingdom, which advised its citizens to exercise caution during upcoming celebrations tied to Mexico’s football matches. The advisory highlighted an increase in mobile phone theft and incidents of drink spiking during crowded gatherings. Sheinbaum acknowledged these concerns but emphasized that local authorities are already taking steps to enhance safety following the recent event, where three individuals died from asphyxiation and another suffered a fatal cardiac arrest amid the massive crowds of over a million people near Paseo de la Reforma.
To prevent similar incidents, Mexico City’s government is planning to install more large screens along Paseo de la Reforma. This strategy aims to disperse spectators over a broader area, thereby reducing the density of the crowd. Sheinbaum stated that security personnel and officials from the federal government and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection would continue to support and guide fans during future gatherings. While managing such large crowds remains a significant challenge, authorities are focusing on providing guidance rather than attempting physical containment of the massive gatherings.
In preparation for the next major football celebration planned for Sunday, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada announced enhancements to civil protection, healthcare, and public security measures. During the previous event, around 15,000 police officers were deployed, including more than 4,200 stationed along Paseo de la Reforma, but they were unable to prevent the fatalities. Brugada noted that the gathering was the largest ever recorded in the city’s history, with an estimated 1.4 million people participating. To further enhance safety, city officials encourage supporters to celebrate across multiple locations instead of solely gathering at the Angel of Independence monument.
Authorities are also advocating for responsible alcohol consumption and are considering imposing restrictions on alcohol sales in central areas during major public events. As they prepare for another large turnout, additional crowd management and safety measures are expected to be announced before the weekend.