Mexico City limits access to Ángel de la Independencia for World Cup match amid safety concerns
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Mexico City will limit access to the Ángel de la Independencia monument to 25,000 people for the Mexico vs. England World Cup match.
- Security will be reinforced with access filters and barriers to prevent overcrowding, redirecting fans to other viewing areas on Paseo de la Reforma.
- The measures follow a June 30 incident where three people died from asphyxiation during a post-match crowd surge.
Mexico City authorities are implementing strict crowd control measures for the upcoming Mexico vs. England World Cup match, limiting access to the Ángel de la Independencia monument to 25,000 people. Security will be significantly reinforced with vallas and access filters to manage the flow of fans and prevent dangerous overcrowding.
This decision comes after a tragic incident on June 30, when three people died from asphyxiation during a massive crowd surge near the Ángel de la Independencia following Mexico's victory over Ecuador. The "zero tolerance" perimeter will also target street vendors and vehicular traffic.
Fans exceeding the monument's capacity will be redirected to other viewing areas along Paseo de la Reforma, where large screens will be set up. The Secretary of Citizen Security, Pablo Vázquez Camacho, explained that once the maximum capacity is reached, attendees will be informed, and entry will be limited to guide the flow to alternative locations.
Authorities are deploying 14,000 public servants, including 6,000 police officers and 8,000 government officials, to manage the event. Several streets, including parts of Chapultepec and Insurgentes, will be pedestrianized. Nearby Metro stations like Chapultepec, Sevilla, and Insurgentes may also be closed to manage the influx of people.
Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.