Dozens injured by tarp collapses at México state campaign events

Dozens of people were injured on Sunday when strong wind caused large tarpaulins to collapse at two campaign events in México state.

The México state government said in a statement that 58 people sustained minor injuries at an event for a mayoral candidate in Xonacatlán, while around 20 people became trapped when a tarp collapsed at an event for a mayoral candidate in Ixtlahuaca, according to reports. Three people were reportedly injured in the latter incident.

Paramedics attend to people after accident at campaign rally
The accident in Xonocatlán left 58 people injured, though most were able to be treated on-site. (Protección Civil Edomex/X)

In Xonacatlán, located about 60 kilometers west of downtown Mexico City, 55 people were treated on-site for minor injuries while one person sought medical care at a hospital “by their own means,” the México state government said.

Two other people were taken to hospital by ambulance, one of whom was suffering a nervous breakdown, the government said.

In Ixtlahuaca, located around 100 kilometers northwest of Mexico City, three people suffered “bumps” when the tarp and the structure supporting it collapsed, according to the Excélsior newspaper.

Paramedics and other emergency personnel assisted and treated the injured in both Xonacatlán and Ixtlahuaca.

The accidents occurred at “close of campaign” events for Morena party mayoral candidates in the respective municipalities.

They happened five days after strong wind caused a stage to collapse at a Citizens Movement campaign event in the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Nuevo León. Nine people were killed at that event and more than 100 others were injured.

Morena’s mayoral candidate in Xonacatlán, Alfredo González, said that “strong gusts of winds” brought the tarp down at his event.

The party’s mayoral candidate in Ixtlahuaca, Guadalupe Díaz said in a video message that heavy rain and strong wind caused the tarp to collapse at her event.

“Fortunately,  … there aren’t lives to mourn,” she said.

Díaz and González are among hundreds of candidates vying to become mayors in the 125 municipalities of México state, Mexico’s most populous state.

Mexicans will elect some 20,000 municipal, state and federal representatives — including a new president — in the country’s largest ever elections this Sunday.

With reports from El Universal and Excélsior 

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
corn growing

Women farmers in Oaxaca, Guerrero report catastrophic drought

0
Two farming associations called on state and federal authorities to declare a climate emergency in drought-affected areas of Oaxaca and Guerrero and establish programs aimed at guaranteeing food sovereignty and supporting female farmers.
Navy at-sea bust

The Mexican Navy’s at-sea cocaine seizures are up nearly 50% this year

0
The Navy announced that it has seized 37.9 tonnes of cocaine so far this year compared to 25.7 tonnes in 2025, and has also confiscated dozens of vessels linked to illicit activity and arrested more than 80 suspects.
Mexico flag flying high from the Zócalo

State of democracy improved in Mexico in 2025 as region showed signs of deterioration

3
According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), Mexico's score improved in the categories of rule of law and participation; however, it remains among the bottom-scoring countries in three out of the four categories measured.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity