At least 17 people injured after driver plows into Mexican soccer fans celebrating World Cup win
At least 17 Mexican soccer fans were injured when a driver allegedly plowed into a busy street celebrating the nation’s World Cup victory in Cabo San Lucas on Wednesday night.
An unidentified driver was driving on Lázaro Cárdenas Boulevard in the beach town of Baja California Sur when he was met by a large crowd that filled the road after 9 p.m., Cabo San Lucas officials said.
Rowdy’s supporters allegedly surrounded the driver and his car before they got in the car, officials said.
The driver, who is inside a black sedan, is accused of “rushing forward” into the crowd blocking the road, hitting several people, according to a video posted online.
At least 17 people, including the driver, were taken to different hospitals in the area due to injuries.
Their conditions were not immediately released.
“I want to express our deep solidarity with the people affected and their families by the unfortunate events that happened tonight,” said Dr. Jose Manuel Larumbe Pineda, First Acting Councilor of the Municipal President of the Legal Department. “Our responsibility is to ensure the care of the victims, to provide friendship to their families, to cooperate fully with the authorities and to keep citizens informed with official and verified data.”
The driver was taken into custody at the scene and taken to the hospital in police custody for his injuries, officials said.
No charges have been filed against the driver as officials continue to investigate the nighttime collision.
The Baja California Sur Attorney General’s Office announced that it has opened an investigation into the alleged hit and run.
Crazy fans filled the streets to celebrate Mexico’s 3-0 victory over Czechia in the World Cup at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
The team finished first in Group A with a 3-0 record as they will enter the Round of 32 on Tuesday.
“Citizens are urged to behave carefully during public gatherings, listen to the instructions of the authorities and avoid behavior that could endanger their integrity and that of other people,” warned officials after the accident.
The truck driver is suspected of riding in a group of fans celebrating Mexico’s victory over South Korea last week in Chihuahua City, according to the El Paso Times.
“We are looking to avoid the tragic actions that happened in the last game where someone was run over in these festivities,” said Chihuahua State Secretary of Public Safety Gilberto Loya on Monday.
