Three people died in Mexico City during massive World Cup celebrations after Mexico’s knockout win over Ecuador, authorities said Wednesday, as festivities turned deadly amid overcrowded streets near the capital’s iconic Angel of Independence.
The Mexico City Health Secretariat said the victims, a 44-year-old man, a 19-year-old woman and a 48-year-old woman, died from suffocation after emergency responders were called to multiple locations along Paseo de la Reforma, where tens of thousands had gathered to celebrate.
Two were pronounced dead after resuscitation attempts at the scene, while the third died later in hospital.
The celebrations followed Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the Round of 32, a result that sent the co-hosts into the last 16 and ended a four-decade wait for a World Cup knockout win.
Streets across the capital filled quickly as fans poured into closed-off zones set up for public viewing and celebrations.
