![At leasst 8 dead at Mexico rally stage collapse](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5353x4015+334+0/resize/1300/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F58%2F2c%2F4a5cf817464db8699c35e9c6def2%2Fap24144164794059.jpg)
The collapse occurred 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.
The victims "will not be alone in this tragedy," Máynez told reporters Wednesday night, adding that he had suspended upcoming campaign events.
Afterward, soldiers, police and other officials roamed the grounds of the park where the event took place while many nearby sat stunned and haunted by the tragedy.