Tragedy in Mexico City as World Cup victory celebrations turn deadly

Mexico has won the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in 40 years. The country's football fans were overjoyed to beat Ecuador 2-0 and secure a place in the last 16. But that joy quickly turned to grief. At least two people died of suffocation in the rush created during the victory celebration.

After the match, thousands of fans gathered on Hamburgo and Lancaster streets near the historic 'Angel of Independence' monument in the capital Mexico City, according to news agencies AFP and Reuters. The tragic accident occurred amid excessive crowds.

Mexico City's health department said that several people were taken to hospital in serious condition from the scene. Despite their best efforts, doctors were unable to save a 44-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman. Authorities confirmed that they died of suffocation.

However, the death toll could be higher, according to the New York Times. The newspaper claims that three people died in the incident. Citing Mexico City's Public Health Secretariat, they said that three people were found unconscious in the Colonia Juarez area. Among them were a 44-year-old man and two women aged 19 and 48.

According to local media reports, the loud sound of fireworks at the end of the match suddenly spread panic among the crowd. As people started running to get away to safety, a huge stampede occurred in the narrow streets. At one point, many were trampled and suffocated.

The head of the Mexico City government, Clara Brugada Molina, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. She expressed her condolences to the families of the victims and said that the administration will stand by the affected families during this difficult time.