Four Killed In Stage Collapse At Mexican Political Rally; Presidential Candidate Taken To Hospital

Strong winds tonight toppled a stage at a political rally in Mexico, killing four and sending presidential candidate Jorge Alvarez Maynez to the hospital, according to a report from Reuters.

The incident took place in the wealthy enclave of San Pedro Garza Garcia in the northern state of Nuevo Leon. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, citing the governor of Nuevo León who was on the scene, wrote on Twitter that, “four deaths and 15 injuries are reported.”

Dramatic video from the scene was posted online.

Maynez posted a statement indicating he was on the stage when the collapse happened and was taken to a local hospital. He later said he was back on the scene trying to help with efforts there.

“After the accident in San Pedro Garza,” wrote Maynez, “where a gust of wind collapsed the stage where we were, I moved to the San José hospital. I am fine and in communication with state authorities to follow up on what happened. The only important thing right now is to care for the victims of the accident.”

Politician Lorenia Canavati, who was the co-headliner at the rally, wrote, “There are no words to describe the pain and sadness that the terrible accident that occurred today at our campaign event causes everyone. At this moment the only thing I can think about is those affected and their families. My team and I are already coordinating with the authorities so that they are given all the attention and support. They are the most important thing.”