At least 5 dead as strong winds topple stage at a campaign rally in northern Mexico
NBCMay 22
Mexico: 9 Killed After Stage Collapses at Election Rally
Above: Presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez of Movimiento Ciudadano party speaks during a campaign rally on March 12, 2024 in Monterrey, Mexico. Image copyright: Medios y Media/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Nine people, including a minor, have died after a stage collapsed due to gusty winds at a campaign rally for the Citizens' Movement party in the northeastern Mexican city of San Pedro Garza García on Wednesday.
The governor of Nuevo León, Samuel García, said that 36 people remain hospitalized and will receive 100K ($5.9K) pesos each "until their recovery or discharge." The kins of the deceased are expected to receive 400K pesos ($23.9K) as compensation.
The Spin
Narrative A
This tragedy shocked the whole country — no one would ever expect that a gust of wind could cause the stage to collapse on the crowd. Nuevo León will assist those who have lost their loved ones, including covering funeral-related costs and bringing them attention and support.
Narrative B
This wasn't an accident, but a crime. Given that Mexico's meteorological authority had warned of heavy winds — including potential whirlwinds and tornadoes — in Nuevo León, these deaths and injuries are at best a result of the Citizens' Movement and state authorities acting with criminal negligence.