On April 5, 2025, the AXE Ceremonia music festival, held at Mexico City’s Parque Bicentenario, was marred by a tragic incident that led to the deaths of two photographers, Berenice Giles Rivera and Miguel Ángel Hernández. The accident occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. during a performance by Meme del Real, a member of the renowned band Café Tacvba. A decorative metal structure, which was being maneuvered by a crane, suddenly collapsed due to a powerful gust of wind, resulting in fatal injuries for both individuals. The victims were on assignment for the media outlet Mr. Indie, covering the festival, when the tragic accident unfolded.
Despite the severity of the incident, festival organizers chose to continue with the event for several hours before officially suspending the activities. The festival’s second day, scheduled for April 6, was canceled as a result of the tragedy. The loss of two dedicated journalists has cast a long shadow over the event, leaving the music and journalism communities in mourning.
Berenice Giles Rivera and Miguel Ángel Hernández were both experienced and passionate photographers, widely respected for their work in covering cultural and musical events. Their untimely deaths have devastated their colleagues and friends, as well as the broader journalistic community. Mr. Indie, the media outlet that employed the photographers, expressed their profound sorrow in a statement, saying, “Con profunda tristeza despedimos a nuestros amigos y compañeros Berenice Giles y Miguel Hernández, quienes perdieron la vida mientras realizaban su labor periodística.” This heartfelt tribute highlights the dedication both individuals had to their craft and the tragic loss felt by those who knew them personally and professionally.
In the wake of the incident, authorities, including the Secretaría de Gestión Integral de Riesgos y Protección Civil (Secretary of Risk Management and Civil Protection), attributed the collapse of the structure to inadequate supervision of safety measures by both the event organizers and the operational areas of the Miguel Hidalgo borough. Preliminary investigations have indicated that the structure involved in the accident was installed without the proper authorization and was not present during the initial safety inspections. This has led to questions about the responsibility of the event organizers and the steps taken to ensure the safety of those attending and working at the festival.
The tragedy sparked widespread public outrage, particularly regarding the decision to continue the festival after the fatal accident. Many felt that the organizers failed to act promptly and that there was a lack of timely communication from the event management team. As details of the accident emerged, a group of colleagues and friends of the deceased photographers organized a vigil and protest at Parque Bicentenario to honor their memory and demand justice. The vigil was attended by many in the community, including journalists, festival-goers, and others who were moved by the loss and wanted to express their solidarity with the victims’ families.
The response from the festival organizers has been a mixture of public statements and behind-the-scenes actions. The organizers issued a statement expressing solidarity with the families of the deceased, stating that they were “deeply saddened” by the loss of the two photographers. The festival also announced the cancellation of the second day of the event as a mark of respect. However, the actions of the festival’s founder, Diego Jiménez Labora, following the incident have drawn significant criticism. Reports suggest that he closed his social media accounts after the tragedy, which many people interpreted as an attempt to avoid public scrutiny. This move was met with widespread backlash, with many questioning the accountability of those in charge of the festival and its operations.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working diligently to determine the exact cause of the structural collapse and identify any individuals or entities responsible for the failure to implement adequate safety measures. The Fiscalía General de Justicia de la Ciudad de México (Attorney General’s Office of Mexico City) has initiated a formal investigation into the incident. The aim of the investigation is to hold accountable those responsible for the tragic deaths and to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Preliminary findings from the investigation suggest that the decorative metal structure that collapsed was not part of the original design and had been installed without proper authorization. This revelation has raised further concerns about the safety protocols followed by the festival organizers and the extent to which they adhered to regulations governing large-scale public events. The fact that the structure was not present during the initial safety inspections calls into question the level of oversight provided by both the event organizers and the local authorities, particularly in the context of a major event such as the AXE Ceremonia festival, which attracts thousands of attendees.
The incident has prompted calls for increased safety measures at public events, particularly in the wake of such a tragic loss. Many are urging that event organizers be held to higher standards of accountability when it comes to ensuring the safety of attendees, staff, and contractors. This includes ensuring that all structures and equipment used during festivals are properly inspected, authorized, and monitored throughout the event. Additionally, there are growing calls for better communication and transparency from event organizers, particularly when incidents like this occur. It is critical that the public is informed in a timely manner about what has happened and what steps are being taken to address the situation.
The tragic deaths of Berenice Giles Rivera and Miguel Ángel Hernández have sparked a larger conversation about the risks faced by journalists and photographers who cover live events. These individuals often work in demanding conditions, frequently putting themselves in harm’s way to capture moments that tell the story of a festival, concert, or cultural event. The fact that the photographers were on assignment when the accident occurred highlights the challenges faced by those working behind the scenes to document important cultural moments. This loss serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the well-being of journalists and ensuring that they are provided with the proper protections while working in high-risk environments.
As the investigation into the incident progresses, the families of the victims, their colleagues, and the wider community continue to seek justice and accountability. The ongoing probe will hopefully bring clarity to the circumstances that led to this tragic accident and provide answers to the questions that remain. In the meantime, the legacy of Berenice Giles Rivera and Miguel Ángel Hernández lives on through their work, which captured the essence of music and culture in Mexico. Their contributions to the world of journalism and photography will be remembered by those who knew them and by the broader community that values the important role that media professionals play in shaping our understanding of events.
The AXE Ceremonia music festival, which was meant to be a celebration of music and culture, will forever be remembered for the tragic loss of two talented individuals who were simply doing their job. Their deaths have cast a dark cloud over the event and have raised important questions about the safety of public events. It is hoped that the ongoing investigation will lead to meaningful changes in safety protocols, ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated. For now, the focus remains on honoring the memory of Berenice Giles Rivera and Miguel Ángel Hernández and supporting their families as they cope with the devastating loss.
The post Mr. Indie photographers, Berenice Giles Rivera and Miguel Ángel Hernández killed after metal structure collapse at the Axe Ceremonia 2025 festival first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
