5 killed in shooting at popular Mexican resort

By Nancy Caouette

MEXICO CITY (AA) – Authorities confirmed that at least five victims were killed and 15 others injured Monday when a gunman opened fire in a nightclub at a popular resort in the southeastern state of Quintana Roo.

The shooting occurred at the Blue Parrot nightclub in Playa del Carmen, near Cancun, during a party at the electronic dance music BPM festival.

“An armed man tried to enter the Blue Parrot bar but security members of the BPM festival prevented him from doing so. The man then opened fire, killing four members of security for the event,” Quintana Roo Attorney General Miguel Angel Pech said at a news conference. “Three men -- a Canadian, a Colombian and an Italian -- died on the spot while a fourth, also Canadian, died at a hospital.”

He added that the fifth victim, a woman, was found dead on the floor, probably trampled as patrons rushed to exit the bar after the sound of gun shots at 2.28 a.m. local time (0828 GMT).

Pech said 15 victims were taken to hospitals, 10 are receiving treatment and one is in serious condition.

Authorities also said that they are investigating another shooting on the beach near the bar that occurred early Monday.

Playa del Carmen Mayor Cristina Torres, said that four men were arrested on connection with the shootings and authorities are working to find the motive.

Pech’s office dismissed suggestions the shooting was related to terrorism.

Local media, however, have linked the gunman to a regional drug cartel.