On the afternoon of May 8, 2025, a stage structure collapsed in the esplanade of the Gustavo A. Madero mayor's office in Mexico City, just minutes before a scheduled concert for Mother's Day. The musical event, featuring the act "Grandiosas" with artists Ángela Carrasco, Ana Cirré, and Alicia Villarreal, was set to begin at 5:00 p.m. However, chaos ensued as the structure fell, resulting in at least seven injuries, two of which were reported to be serious.
The incident occurred amid a yellow alert issued by the Secretariat of Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection (SGIRPC) due to strong gusts of wind affecting the area. This alert was also in effect for neighboring municipalities, including Azcapotzalco, Cuauhtémoc, Iztacalco, Iztapalapa, and Venustiano Carranza.
In the aftermath of the collapse, emergency personnel and local police rushed to secure the site and assist the injured. Videos circulating on social media captured the frantic moments following the incident, showing crowds of people helping to cordon off the area to prevent further access.
Alicia Villarreal, one of the performers, took to Instagram later that evening to express her sorrow over the events. “With much sadness, I am seeing what happened; I deeply regret not being able to perform at the show where I was invited to participate in Grandiosas,” she stated. Villarreal emphasized the importance of safety conditions for both the audience and the workers involved in the show. “I hope they recover soon. For me, it is essential that all of us who work together, directly or indirectly, are in a safe area,” she added.
Hugo Mejuto, the producer of the Grandiosas show, shared his account of the events, noting that he and Villarreal had just completed their sound checks and left the area shortly before the collapse. “We had just finished ten minutes earlier. We were in the van together when we received the news that the stage was no more,” he recounted. Mejuto stressed that the responsibility for safety measures lies with the mayor's office and the Civil Protection agency, stating, “We only verify that everything is ready, but the technical control is the responsibility of the authorities.”
Despite the shock and concern from the artists and their team, Mejuto confirmed that no fatalities occurred as a result of the accident. “We do not have a single human loss to mourn, which is the most important thing for us; the material loss or the fact that we could not perform is secondary,” he said.
The collapse has reignited discussions about the safety protocols for public events, especially during the rainy season. Mejuto pointed out that the responsibility for ensuring safety at such events falls to local authorities. “They have their Civil Protection team, who must conduct a thorough review,” he explained.
Following the incident, the team decided to take refuge in a nearby hotel while assessing the situation and attending to those affected. Although the concert was suspended, there has been no confirmation of a new date for rescheduling.
As the community processes the aftermath of the collapse, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety in public gatherings. With the concert's cancellation, the focus now shifts to the recovery of the injured and the accountability of those responsible for the event's organization.
In her heartfelt message, Villarreal reiterated her concern for the injured and expressed relief that her team was unharmed. “My companions and I are well, but very worried about the injured and very shocked by what happened,” she shared in her video. The sentiments of concern and solidarity echoed among the other artists involved, including Ana Cirré and Ángela Carrasco, who joined Villarreal in expressing their grief over the situation.
The incident has not only raised questions about the safety of public events but also highlighted the need for stringent oversight and adherence to safety protocols, especially in the face of unpredictable weather conditions. As the local authorities investigate the cause of the collapse, the hope remains that such a tragedy will not repeat itself in future events.
As the dust settles on this unfortunate event, the community looks towards the recovery of those injured and reflects on the lessons learned from this chaotic day. The importance of safety cannot be overstated, and all involved must work diligently to ensure that future events are conducted under the safest possible conditions.
