Three people died of suffocation as large crowds gathered on the streets of Mexico City to celebrate the country’s World Cup victory, the capital’s health secretariat said early Wednesday.After Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 in the last 32, the victims celebrated near the Angel of Independence monument, where thousands of fans gathered.Authorities said emergency teams treated three people who were found unresponsive at various locations along Reform Avenue. The city’s main avenues and surrounding roads have been closed to mark the festivities.“Following advanced resuscitation efforts, a 44-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman have been confirmed dead from asphyxiation,” health authorities initially said on social media.In a subsequent update, the Secretariat said the third victim, a 48-year-old woman, suffocated in a nearby street. She was taken to hospital but later died.Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and urged people on X to “always celebrate with responsibility, care and empathy.”Celebrations erupted after Mexico claimed victory in the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in 40 years. The host team defeated Ecuador 2-0 at the Aztec Stadium to advance to the last 16.While jubilant supporters chanted and celebrated in the streets, videos shared on social media also showed paramedics and emergency workers treating people who had collapsed on nearby roads.The Mexico City metropolitan area, home to more than 20 million people, regularly hosts large public gatherings and is accustomed to managing large crowds during major events.
