Mexico focuses on safety efforts after Cup revelry turns deadly

After Mexico's 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the first round of the knockout stage of the World Cup, fans streamed into the streets here to celebrate, blowing horns, waving flags and shouting: "Let's go to the Angel!"

- KATE LINTHICUM

MARCO UGARTE Associated Press FANS enjoy a watch party for the Ecuador match Tuesday near the Angel of Independence in Mexico City.

An estimated 1 million people had flocked to the Angel of Independence, a towering monument on Mexico City's main boulevard, to watch the game on massive screens. More revelers headed there after the match to party. Red, green and white fireworks exploded, music boomed and strangers danced and cheered together.

But the street was much too crowded. Panic surged, and many fans found themselves packed together with no clear escape.

Three people died from suffocation, authorities said. A fourth reveler died from a heart attack.

The tragedy dampened what had been nationwide jubilation over the unexpected triumphs of El Tri, as Mexico's national team is known. The squad has won four matches in a row, elevating it for the first time in four decades to the competition's round of 16.