In the wake of a tragic incident that claimed the lives of four people during celebrations of Mexico’s football victory over Ecuador, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has affirmed the safety of the country as a travel destination. Sheinbaum emphasized that the mishap should not deter tourists, highlighting that Mexico remains welcoming and secure for international visitors. The president reassured that the authorities are introducing new strategies to manage large crowds in future public events to prevent similar occurrences.
The United Kingdom recently updated its travel advisory, urging its citizens to be vigilant during upcoming football celebrations in Mexico. The advisory referenced a rise in mobile phone thefts and drink spiking during crowded events. Acknowledging these concerns, Sheinbaum stated that Mexican authorities are already enhancing safety measures. The recent tragedy, which saw three people succumb to asphyxiation and another to a cardiac arrest amidst a massive gathering near Paseo de la Reforma, has prompted these actions.
To mitigate crowd-related risks, Mexico City plans to install additional large screens along Paseo de la Reforma, aiming to disperse the spectators more broadly and reduce crowd density. Sheinbaum highlighted ongoing collaborations with security personnel and officials from the federal government and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection to guide and assist fans during future gatherings. While managing such large crowds remains challenging, the focus will be on public guidance over physical containment of over a million people.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada has also announced plans to bolster civil protection, healthcare, and public security measures ahead of the next significant football celebration on Sunday. Despite the deployment of around 15,000 police officers, including over 4,200 along Paseo de la Reforma, during the previous event, the deadly incident could not be prevented. The gathering, recorded as the largest public crowd in the city’s history, drew more than 1.4 million participants.
City officials are encouraging fans to celebrate in various locations instead of congregating solely around the Angel of Independence monument. In an effort to enhance safety, they are also promoting responsible alcohol consumption and considering restrictions on alcohol sales in central areas during major events. As preparations for another large turnout continue, additional crowd management and safety measures are expected to be announced before the weekend.