Sign Falls at Colorado Taco Festival, Injures Three Women—Victims Say the Chaos After Was Even Worse

What started as a fun outing at the Top Taco Festival in Westminster, Colorado, quickly turned into a traumatic night for three women when a large decorative sign came crashing down on them.

A Fun Night Turns Dangerous

Celina Toney, her daughter Jasmine, and friends Shelly Beasley and Marissa Velasquez were taking a photo in front of the festival’s popular “I Love Tacos” sign when it suddenly fell.

Celina suffered the most severe injuries—four fractured vertebrae, a four-inch head gash requiring 11 staples, and nerve damage that prevents her from making a fist. Jasmine hurt her shoulder, and Shelly’s arm was bruised and scratched. Only Marissa walked away physically unharmed.

Victims Criticize Emergency Response

The group says the chaos following the accident was nearly as upsetting as the injuries themselves. “No one seemed to know what to do,” Celina recalled. “It was just wild.” Festival staff initially tried to transport Celina in a golf cart despite her serious neck pain. Witnesses described a confusing scene involving police, black cloths being used to block onlookers, and a lack of clear medical action.

Even when an ambulance arrived, the confusion didn’t end. The women were told to transfer from the first ambulance to a second one before finally heading to the hospital.

Lack of Accountability Raises Questions

Celina says she never heard from police after the incident, nor has she received any meaningful outreach from organizers beyond an offer to refund her ticket. “Don’t offer me free tickets,” she said. “Offer me answers.”

The event organizer, DiningOut Events, said strong winds caused the accident and that they followed emergency procedures. They expressed concern for Celina and promised to support her recovery while reviewing safety protocols.

Celina and her family are calling for better safety standards and clearer emergency response plans for future events.

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