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A festive evening in Baja California Sur turned tragic this week when an 18-year-old woman fell to the ground from a ride while it was in motion, triggering a criminal investigation and the replacement of the city’s civil protection chief, local newspaper Expreso reported.
Gabriela Rodríguez Tezoco was riding an attraction called “El Pendulo” (“The Pendulum”) during the traditional Cabo San Lucas fiestas when she was thrown from her seat as the machine was spinning while spectators stood nearby.
Emergency personnel, including state investigators and municipal police, rushed to the scene to administer first aid to the young woman, the outlet reported.
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She was taken by ambulance to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival, according to local reports.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that the young woman, injured during the incident that occurred in the area of the mechanical attractions of the traditional festivals of Cabo San Lucas, and who was immediately transferred for medical treatment, lost her life despite the efforts of health personnel,” Los Cabos City Hall said in a Spanish statement, according to a translation.
Gabriela Rodríguez Tezoco, shown left, was riding “The Pendulum” during the traditional Cabo San Lucas fiestas, shown right, when she was thrown from her seat and fell to the ground. (Jam press)
The fatal accident caused administrative fallout.
Local authorities announced the dismissal of the head of the Municipal Directorate of Civil Protection and Risk Management, according to Mexican media including Opinión Sonora.
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An interim director was appointed to ensure investigators have unrestricted access to the department’s records, security protocols and operating permits, Expreso reported.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the local mayor’s office, Baja California Sur Public Safety and the Los Cabos Transparency Office for more details.
The tragic accident sparked anger and fallout in Cabo San Lucas, pictured above. (Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The Baja California Sur State Attorney General’s Office (PGJE) has launched a formal investigation to determine responsibility, local media reported.
Forensic engineering and architectural experts are currently examining the amusement park ride to check whether it meets safety standards, Expreso reported.
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As of mid-week, authorities had not named the ride’s operators or made any arrests.
“It could have been any of us.”
Immediately after the fall, Los Cabos Mayor Christian Agúndez ordered the total suspension of “El Pendulo” and ordered a preventive safety inspection of all other attractions at the fairgrounds, the same media reported.
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Speaking to the festival audience later in the evening, Agúndez urged the community to rally around the grieving family. He pledged support from the municipality, local news sources reported.
An extensive preventive safety inspection has been ordered for all other attractions at the Cabo San Lucas Fairgrounds, pictured above. (Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Today, with the same spirit with which we come together to celebrate, we must come together to support Gabriela’s family. It could have been any of us. You are not alone,” said the mayor of Los Cabos.
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Rodríguez Tezoco was a 2026 high school graduate, according to reports.
Kelly McGreal of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
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