Driver Involved in Accident That Injured 17 People During World Cup Celebrations Dies After Being Assaulted
The driver involved in the incident in which 17 people were struck during celebrations following Mexico’s victory over the Czech Republic in the 2026 World Cup died on Tuesday after spending several days hospitalized due to injuries he sustained after being assaulted by a crowd in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur.
The victim was identified as Roberto Arellano Acevedo. His death was confirmed by Alberto Rentería, Secretary General of the Los Cabos City Council, who reported that he passed away at 9:43 a.m. on Tuesday, June 30, the same day Mexico was scheduled to play another World Cup match.
According to municipal authorities, his death resulted from the injuries caused by the beating he received after the incident in downtown Cabo San Lucas, when dozens of people reacted violently following the accident.
Security Operation Strengthened for the Mexico vs. Ecuador Match
After confirming the driver’s death, the Los Cabos City Council announced that security measures would be reinforced for the Mexico vs. Ecuador match to prevent further acts of violence during fan gatherings.
Mayor José Manuel Larumbe Pineda expressed his condolences to the driver’s family and stated that the special security operation would begin at 5:00 p.m. The operation will focus primarily on Lázaro Cárdenas Boulevard, where the incident occurred, as well as the access roads to the tourist zone and the Cabo San Lucas marina, where the largest crowds of fans are expected.
The operation will be carried out in coordination with state and federal authorities, as well as personnel from the Ministry of National Defense, the Navy, police agencies, and emergency services.
The security plan includes partial road closures and increased sobriety checkpoints to reduce risks during post-match celebrations.
Security Will Also Be Increased in La Paz
Preventive measures will not be limited to Los Cabos. In La Paz, the Municipal Police will work alongside the State Preventive Police to conduct patrols on foot and in official vehicles along the city’s boardwalk, one of the traditional gathering places for soccer fans.
Authorities will also maintain constant surveillance through the C-5 video monitoring system, complemented by drones to monitor crowd sizes and quickly detect any situation that could disrupt public order.
Traffic authorities also anticipate partial or complete closures of the La Paz boardwalk depending on the number of attendees, prioritizing pedestrian safety and ensuring a rapid emergency response if needed.
The Municipal Civil Protection Department will coordinate the deployment of ambulances, pre-hospital medical personnel, and members of the Fire Department, while the Municipal Commerce Department will work with local businesses to promote an orderly dispersal of crowds after the match.
What Happened During the June 24 Celebrations?
The incident occurred on the night of June 24, when hundreds of fans took to the streets to celebrate Mexico’s victory over the Czech Republic.
According to official reports, Roberto Arellano Acevedo was driving with his daughters when his vehicle became surrounded by a crowd that completely blocked his path. During the confusion, several people began shaking and striking the vehicle.
According to the information released so far, the driver suddenly accelerated in an attempt to escape the crowd, resulting in at least 17 people being struck, all of whom sustained injuries and were treated by emergency responders.
After the incident, several people at the scene physically assaulted the driver. Authorities rescued him and transported him to a hospital in critical condition. He remained under medical care for several days, but municipal officials confirmed his death on Tuesday.
The investigation into both the accident and the subsequent assault remains ongoing. Authorities will determine the legal responsibilities related to both the vehicle collision and the attacks that followed.
Source: record
