At least 17 Mexican soccer supporters were hurt Wednesday night after a driver allegedly plowed into a packed street in Cabo San Lucas, where crowds had gathered to celebrate the country’s World Cup victory.
According to Cabo San Lucas officials, the unidentified motorist was traveling along Lázaro Cárdenas Boulevard in the Baja California Sur resort city shortly after 9 p.m. when a large group of fans spilled into the roadway.
Authorities said the boisterous crowd allegedly closed in around the vehicle, with some people touching it and climbing onto it.
The driver, who was behind the wheel of a black sedan, is accused of “suddenly accelerating forward” into the crowd blocking the street, hitting several people, according to video shared online.
Officials said at least 17 people, among them the driver, were taken to hospitals across the area to be treated for injuries.
Their medical conditions were not immediately made public.
“I want to express our deep solidarity with the affected people and their families for the unfortunate events that occurred tonight,” said Dr. Jose Manuel Larumbe Pineda, First Councilor Acting Municipal President for the Ministry of Law. “Our commitment is to guarantee care for victims, provide companionship to their families, fully cooperate with authorities and keep citizens informed with official and verified data.”
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Authorities said the driver was arrested at the scene and later taken to a hospital under police custody for treatment of his injuries.
No charges have been filed against the driver as officials continue the investigation into the late-night hit-and-run.
The Baja California Sur Attorney General’s Office announced it had opened an investigation into the alleged hit-and-run.
The crazed fans had taken to the streets to celebrate Mexico’s 3-0 victory over Czechia in the World Cup’s Group Stage at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The team finishes atop Group A with a 3-0 record as it heads into the Round of 32 on Tuesday.
“Citizens are urged to conduct cautiously during public rallies, heed the directions of the authority and avoid behaviors that endanger their own physical integrity and those of others,” officials warned after the crash.
A pickup truck driver had allegedly plowed into a group of fans celebrating Mexico’s win over South Korea last week in Chihuahua City, according to the El Paso Times.
“We are looking to prevent lamentable acts such as occurred in the last game when a person was run over during these festivities,” Chihuahua State Public Safety Secretary Gilberto Loya said Monday.
