Las Vegas Sun

April 20, 2024

Seismologists clarify Mexico soccer fans didn’t cause quake

Mexico

Anthony Vazquez / AP

A reporter and fans are covered in foam during the celebration of Mexico’s 2018 World Cup win over Germany at the Angel of Independence in Mexico City, Sunday, June 17, 2018. Mexico won it’s first match against Germany 1-0.

MEXICO CITY — Mexico's National Seismological Service says there was seismic activity around the country's capital Sunday, but it wasn't linked to soccer fans celebrating their country's game-winning goal vs. Germany at the World Cup.

The service says in a report that there were two small earthquakes at 10:24 a.m. and 12:01 p.m. The goal came around 11:35 a.m. local time.

A geological institute reported Sunday that seismic detectors had registered a false earthquake that may have been generated by "massive jumps" by fans.

Mexico's Seismological Service explained Monday that the city's normal bustle of traffic and other movement causes vibrations that are detected by sensitive instruments.

It says those vibrations notably quieted during the match as people gathered in front of TVs to watch, and rose after the goal.