Playa del Carmen Bar Shooting Sparks Closure Demand

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Following a shooting outside the Sergios bar near the center of Playa del Carmen, neighbors are requesting the establishment's closure due to ongoing security problems in the area.

Residents living nearby, who preferred to omit their full names, reported living in a climate of insecurity because of constant attacks of this nature at the site, which they say puts the neighbors at risk. On Thursday night, an attack occurred with a preliminary death toll of one person, though some reports indicate there were two fatal victims.

"We are going through very difficult times that are now putting all the neighbors in the area at risk. It is a place that truly causes us a lot of fear because of what is happening. Next time, the victim could be a neighbor," said a resident named José.

The establishment is located in the colonia Centro, very close to Avenida 30, where busy shopping centers are situated. The site had previously been secured by the Quintana Roo State Attorney General's Office, as similar events resulting in fatalities had occurred there.

"We are waiting for some authority to listen to us because it is already an environment of insecurity. One can no longer pass through the area for fear of another attack and a stray bullet wounding children, for example, who no longer go out to play because the environment has become unsafe for everyone. It is something lamentable," he added.

According to reports, the armed attack occurred around 9:00 PM on Thursday on Calle 18 at Avenida 40, near Avenida Constituyentes. Reports indicate the attack was against the person in charge of the place, though a person who worked as a taxi driver was also injured; some testimonies indicate that person has since died. The area was cordoned off.

As of the close of this information, the Quintana Roo State Attorney General's Office has not provided official data on the matter.