Two killed at Mexico City festival AXE Ceremonia after crane collapses
Two photographers were pronounced dead after being taken to hospital on Saturday evening
Mexico City-based festival AXE Ceremonia has issued a statement after two photographers were killed during the event over the weekend.
On Saturday, April 5, two people were fatally injured after a crane collapsed on the festival site. The incident occurred at around 5:30PM local time during a performance from Meme Del Real.
The crane was reportedly hoisting a large metal decorative object when it was hit by a gust of wind, causing it to topple over. A statement from the mayor’s office (via El Universal) reports that the crane may not have been inspected ahead of the event.
Miguel Angel Rojas, 26, and Berenice Giles, 28, were both working as photographers at the festival when the incident happened. They were both transported to hospital on Saturday evening, where they were later pronounced dead.
“With deep sadness, we confirm the passing of the two people who were injured during today’s incident,” reads a statement from AXE Ceremonia posted on Saturday, April 5.
“We are deeply heartbroken by this loss. We are reaching out to their families to support them during this incredibly difficult time and to provide them with all our care and solidarity.”
The festival affirmed that “the safety of our community has always been our priority”, and that it will continue to maintain “close collaboration and complete transparency with the authorities”.
AXE Ceremonia was taking place at Parque Bicentenario in Mexico City across two days, from April 5 - 6. Despite the incident, the festival continued to take place on Saturday, April 5, but was ultimately cancelled the following day.
The line-up included the likes of Tyler, The Creator, Barry Can’t Swim, Charli xcx, Massive Attack, Gesaffelstein, FKA twigs, A.G. Cook, Brutalismus 3000, and more.
“[Local teams] completed the inspection and placed suspension seals at the entrances to AXE Ceremonia in Bicentennial Park,” the mayor’s office said via Twitter on April 6, confirming its cancellation.
The festival is now issuing refunds for tickets. Its website reads: "Following the unfortunate incident that occurred yesterday, we inform you that it has been decided to suspend today's activities in accordance with the guidelines of the relevant authorities."
"All our solidarity and support to their families and loved ones in this painful time. Refunds will be issued automatically through Ticketmaster, which is providing updates on the process through its channels."
[Via El Universal]
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter