Nine dead as high wind topples stage at Mexican campaign rally

At least nine people have died including a child after a strong gust of wind toppled a campaign rally stage in northern Mexico.

The collapse took place in the state of Nuevo Leon on Wednesday during an event attended by presidential long-shot candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez, who ran to escape.

Videos of the collapse on social media showed people screaming, running away and climbing out from under metal polls.

Warning: Distressing content

The victims “will not be alone in this tragedy”, Mr Máynez told reporters on Wednesday night, adding that he had suspended upcoming campaign events.

The victims were eight adults and one child, Nuevo Leon Governor Samuel Garcia said, adding that he was headed to a hospital where three people were in surgery.

Mr Máynez's campaign coordinator Laura Ballesteros was hospitalised with a broken foot, according to the party.

Mr Garcia warned residents to stay indoors amid strong thunderstorms in the area.

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said he “sends a hug to family members, friends of the victims and political supporters”.

Condolences poured in from across Mexico, including by other presidential candidates.

In a video message, Mrl Garcia, a leading member of Mr Máynez’s Citizens Movement party, asked residents to shelter in their houses. He provided the death toll of at least five and dozens injured.

Mr Máynez wrote on his social media accounts that he went to a hospital after the accident in the wealthy suburb of San Pedro Garza Garcia, near the city of Monterrey. He said he was in good condition.

“The only important thing at this point is to care for the victims of the accident,” he wrote.

Miguel Treviño de Hoyos, the mayor of San Pedro Garza Garcia, wrote in his social media accounts: “My prayers are with the victims.”

Campaign events are being held this week and next in anticipation of the June 2 presidential, state and municipal elections.

Videos of the accident showed Mr Máynez waving his arm as the crowd chanted his name.

But then he looked up to see a giant screen and metal structure toppling toward him.

He ran rapidly toward the back of the stage to avoid the falling structure, which appeared to consist of relatively light framework pieces as well as what appeared to be a screen with the party's logo and theater-style lights.

Mr Máynez has been running third in polls in the presidential race, trailing front-runner Claudia Sheinbaum of the ruling Morena Party.

The campaign has so far been plagued by the killings of about two dozen candidates for local offices. But it has not been marred by campaign accidents.