In the wake of a tragic incident following Mexico’s celebratory victory over Ecuador, President Claudia Sheinbaum has sought to reassure international visitors of the country’s safety as a travel destination. The celebrations in Mexico City, which were marked by the unfortunate deaths of four individuals, have prompted Sheinbaum to defend the actions of city authorities and highlight new strategies to manage large crowds at future public events. She asserted that the unfortunate events should not deter tourism, emphasizing that visiting Mexico remains secure.
Her remarks come as the United Kingdom updated its travel advisory for Mexico, advising citizens to exercise caution during upcoming football celebrations due to increased reports of mobile phone theft and drink spiking in crowded areas. Acknowledging these concerns, Sheinbaum mentioned that additional safety measures were already being put into place following Tuesday’s tragic events. During these celebrations, three people tragically died of asphyxiation, and another suffered a fatal cardiac arrest among a crowd that exceeded one million near Paseo de la Reforma.
To mitigate such risks in the future, the Mexico City government plans to install more large screens along Paseo de la Reforma, aiming to disperse spectators over a broader area and reduce congested crowd hotspots. Sheinbaum added that security forces and officials from both the federal government and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection would continue to assist and guide fans during future events. She emphasized the importance of public guidance over attempting to physically manage such massive gatherings, stressing the challenges of managing crowds exceeding a million people.
Additionally, Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada has announced that civil protection, healthcare, and public security will be bolstered ahead of the next significant football celebration set for Sunday. During the previous event, about 15,000 police officers, including over 4,200 stationed along Paseo de la Reforma, were deployed but could not prevent the deadly accident. Brugada highlighted that this gathering was the largest ever recorded in the city’s history, with an estimated 1.4 million attendees.
To ensure safety, city officials encourage fans to celebrate in multiple venues instead of concentrating around the Angel of Independence monument. They are also advocating for responsible alcohol consumption and considering imposing restrictions on alcohol sales in central areas during major public events. As preparations for another large turnout continue, additional crowd management and safety measures are expected to be announced before the weekend.