What was meant to be a vibrant weekend of music and pop culture at Mexico City’s renowned Axe Ceremonia festival turned into a heartbreaking tragedy after a crane carrying stage equipment collapsed due to violent winds, killing two individuals and prompting an immediate shutdown of the event.
On Sunday, April 5, thousands of fans gathered to witness headlining acts including Tyler, The Creator, Charli XCX, FKA Twigs, Gesaffelstein, and Lil Yachty. However, the event came to an abrupt and devastating halt following the fatal accident, which left not only the entertainment world in shock but also triggered official investigations into the safety protocols of large-scale music festivals in Mexico.
Deadly Collapse Turns Celebration Into Catastrophe
The tragic incident occurred when strong winds toppled a towering crane that was holding a large stage decoration. The crane, unable to withstand the force of the gusts, fell into a restricted area behind the main stage, where two professional photographers—Miguel Angel Rojas, 26, and Berenice Giles, 28—were working.
Despite immediate medical response and emergency transportation to a nearby hospital, both victims succumbed to their injuries, leaving their families and the creative community in mourning.
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Festival organizers confirmed the deaths in an emotional statement released hours after the accident:
“With deep sadness, we confirm the passing of the two people who were injured during today’s incident. We are deeply heartbroken by this loss.”
They further expressed their intent to support the victims’ families and cooperate with authorities as investigations continue.
Celebrities, Fans, and Officials React
As news of the fatalities spread across social media, fans and fellow artists expressed shock and sorrow. While Tyler, The Creator had been scheduled to headline Sunday night, he and all other acts were immediately pulled from the lineup as the remainder of the event was canceled out of respect for the victims and for safety concerns.
The rapper has not yet issued a personal statement, but sources close to his team confirmed that the artist was devastated by the tragedy and is expected to address it during his upcoming shows.
Meanwhile, the festival grounds, which had welcomed tens of thousands for a weekend of musical immersion and art installations, quickly transformed into a somber scene of disbelief and mourning.
Mexican Authorities Demand Accountability
The tragedy quickly drew national attention, prompting a swift response from high-ranking officials. Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum offered her condolences and called for a thorough investigation.
“We regret and send our solidarity to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. An investigation needs to be carried out… there should be no impunity in this case.”
In a follow-up statement, Bertha Alcalde Luján, head of Mexico’s prosecutor’s office, emphasized that the accident would not be ignored and that all involved must be held accountable:
“It is very important that a case like this not go unpunished. Safety must be the priority at mass events of this magnitude.”
Preliminary reports suggest that the crane may have been improperly secured or insufficiently rated for high wind conditions, raising questions about whether organizers or contractors may have overlooked safety protocols.
Axe Ceremonia Festival: Once a Celebration, Now Under Scrutiny
Axe Ceremonia, one of Mexico’s most anticipated alternative music festivals, has gained international recognition for bringing together global artists with local talent, often emphasizing inclusive, youth-driven culture.
The 2025 edition was poised to be one of the festival’s biggest yet, with Tyler, The Creator performing as part of his ongoing “CHROMAKOPIA World Tour”, which launched earlier this year to sold-out venues and rave reviews. His unique blend of high-concept performance art and genre-blending music was expected to be a festival highlight.
But now, the festival faces growing criticism over its safety infrastructure and emergency response preparedness. Several attendees shared concerns online, saying that high winds were evident throughout the day and questioning why large structures weren’t preemptively secured or dismantled.
As video footage of the aftermath circulates on social media, calls for greater accountability are growing louder—both from fans and from industry watchdogs.
Remembering Miguel and Berenice: Rising Stars in Visual Arts
Beyond the headlines lies the personal tragedy of two promising young creatives. Miguel Angel Rojas, known for his innovative concert photography, had worked with various local and international acts, capturing high-energy moments through his lens. Berenice Giles, equally talented, was building a name for herself as a visual storyteller with a distinct style rooted in youth culture and social justice themes.
Friends, family, and fellow photographers flooded social media with tributes, sharing memories of their passion, talent, and dreams.
A local artist collective, of which both were members, released a moving post on Instagram:
“Miguel and Berenice were more than photographers. They were visionaries and storytellers. Their light will never be forgotten.”
Tyler’s Tour Will Resume, But Shadowed by Grief
Tyler, The Creator’s team confirmed that his CHROMAKOPIA World Tour will continue as planned, with the next stop scheduled for April 25th in Antwerp, Belgium. The tour, supporting his most recent studio album, has been celebrated for its bold visuals and emotionally layered performances.
However, the tragic events in Mexico City are likely to cast a long emotional shadow. Industry insiders suggest Tyler may dedicate future performances to the victims or work with their families in some capacity, though nothing official has been announced.
A Wake-Up Call for the Global Festival Industry
The heartbreaking loss at Axe Ceremonia serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with large-scale live events—especially amid increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. While festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Glastonbury pour millions into logistics and safety, incidents like this prove that even top-tier events are vulnerable.
As investigations unfold, fans and professionals alike are calling for stricter regulations, improved weather forecasting protocols, and real-time structural monitoring at events globally.
Safety, they argue, should never be an afterthought.
Conclusion: A Tragedy That Should Not Be Forgotten
What began as a weekend celebration of music, art, and youth culture turned into a moment of national mourning. As Mexico remembers Miguel Angel Rojas and Berenice Giles, and as artists like Tyler, The Creator grapple with the heartbreak of performing in the aftermath of tragedy, the entertainment world is reminded of its responsibility—not only to entertain but also to protect.
The coming weeks will reveal more about who is held accountable, what changes are made, and how the memory of two young creatives is honored in an industry that must now reflect deeply.
