In a heartbreaking incident on Saturday, April 5, two talented photographers tragically lost their lives at the AXE Ceremonia music festival in Mexico City when a crane, which was supporting a decorative artwork, collapsed. The victims have been identified as Miguel Angel Rojas, aged 26, and Berenice Giles, aged 28. Their untimely deaths have cast a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory event.

The AXE Ceremonia festival featured an array of performances from popular artists, including British pop sensation Charli XCX. However, following this unfortunate tragedy, festival organizers made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the festival, leading to the cancellation of performances by other major acts slated for Sunday, such as Tyler, The Creator and Massive Attack.

The incident occurred amidst a bustling crowd, yet remarkably, no additional injuries have been reported. The festivals atmosphere shifted from one of excitement to one of mourning and disbelief in an instant. In a statement released by AXE Ceremonia, the organizers expressed their sorrow over the loss, stating, With deep sadness, we confirm the passing of the two people who were injured during todays incident.

They further emphasized their commitment to the safety of festival attendees and the necessity of supporting the families of the victims during this painful time. We are deeply heartbroken by this loss. We are reaching out to their families to support them during this incredibly difficult time and to provide them with all our care and solidarity, the statement read.

As investigations continue, many are left questioning the circumstances surrounding the accident. Eyewitness accounts and images shared online suggest that the large decorative piece suspended by the crane appeared to be top-heavy, raising concerns about the stability of the setup. Critics have expressed their frustration, sharing guidelines from the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF). This organization is dedicated to advocating for the safe use of powered access equipment and has issued warnings about the dangers of attaching anything to scissor lifts, which are typically designed for indoor use and may pose hazards when exposed to outdoor elements.

According to IPAF, Many scissor lifts are specifically designed for indoor use only with zero wind. Even outdoor machines may be at risk of being blown over when elevated in high or gusting winds. Attaching banners to a scissor lift will increase the surface area and create a 'sailboard' effect which will destabilize or potentially turn over a Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP).

Reports indicate that Rojas and Giles were working for a media outlet known as Mr. Indie. In the wake of their passing, heartfelt tributes have been pouring in, particularly on Berenice Giles Instagram page, where friends and colleagues have shared their condolences and memories of the two passionate photographers.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols and the need for meticulous oversight in large public gatherings. As the community mourns the loss of these two promising young talents, discussions are likely to continue about ensuring safety measures at public events to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.