Mexico City ups security, caps crowds for England after fan deaths - ESPN

MEXICO CITY — Mexico will double security and limit capacity at the monument known as the «Angel of Independence» and at the fan festival in Mexico City's main square for Sunday's Mexico-England FIFA World Cup match after four people died during celebrations following Mexico's win over Ecuador earlier this week.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada on Friday announced the measures as she presented the pre- and post-match security plan following the deaths of four fans from asphyxiation and cardiac arrest.

As a World Cup host city and with the team advancing further than it has in 40 years, Mexican fans have poured into the streets to watch the games and celebrate their wins after being priced out of the stadiums by the exorbitant cost of tickets.

Mexican authorities have assured spectators that the country is safe and that they took all safety precautions to host after a February attack in Guadalajara following the death of a cartel boss raised concerns.

The decision to reinforce security comes after two women, ages 19 and 44, and a 48-year-old man died of asphyxiation on June 30 in the streets near the central Paseo de la Reforma. Emergency services also treated a 25-year-old man for epilepsy, a seizure and gastrointestinal bleeding. The man died shortly afterward in the hospital from cardiorespiratory arrest.

The Mexico City Attorney General's Office opened an investigation into the four deaths, which is still ongoing.

Brugada told reporters that there will be free entry to the Monument to Independence, popularly known as the «Angel,» and the Zócalo on Sunday, but with limited capacity for everyone's safety.

Mexico City's Secretary of Public Security, Pablo Vázquez, announced that only 25,000 people will be allowed access