General News

Jalisco chief of staff caught up in Boston marathon bombings

Fourteen athletes from Jalisco, including a prominent member of the state government, experienced anxious moments amid the dual bombings that left three people dead and over 100 injured during the Boston Marathon on Monday.

Sixteen runners from Jalisco had signed up for the marathon but two never took part according to the official register. The runners included six from Guadalajara and seven from Zapopan – among them Hector Vielma, the former mayor of Zapopan and current chief of staff under Governor Aristoteles Sandoval. None were reported to have been injured in the blasts.

Vielma thanked several of his followers on Twitter for their concern, adding, “I’m fine! It is sad and unfortunate that these events have taken place! My condolences to the families of those affected!”

Vielma, who had yet to complete the marathon when the explosions occurred, stressed that he had taken two days of unpaid leave to compete in the race.

In total, 233 Mexicans had registered to take part in the event, while former President Felipe Calderon was among the many spectators who lined the streets of Boston to watch the runners pass by.

“Thanks for your comments and your concern. We are fine. We were watching the marathon a few kilometres from the finish line,” Calderon posted on Twitter. “My solidarity to the victims of today’s explosions in Boston and with the American people that suffer and don’t deserve these events.”