(28 Aug 2019) Gang members burst into a bar, blocked all the exits and then started a fire that killed 26 people and injured about a dozen others, Mexican officials said Wednesday.
Authorities said the attack in the Gulf coast city of Coatzacoalcos late Tuesday was apparently overseen by a man who had been recently arrested but released.
Veracruz state police said the attack targeted the "Bar Caballo Blanco," or "White Horse Bar."
It advertised "quality, security and service," private rooms for 7.50 U.S. dollars "all night," ''sexy girls" and a pole dance contest.
It is located just off a busy commercial street in Coatzacoalcos, a city whose main industry has long been oil and oil refining.
On Wednesday afternoon, relatives of the victims gathered anxiously outside state prosecutors' offices with photos that could be used to identify their loved ones.
"We came here, gave her information and photographs so somebody can recognise her. But they haven't told us anything," Fortino Gutiérrez, whose wife remains unaccounted for said.
Those who had confirmation sat weeping in plastic chairs.
Gov. Cuitláhuac García identified the chief suspect as a man known as "La Loca" and gave his name as Ricardo "N'' because officials no longer give the full names of suspects.
García said the man had been detained by marines in July, but was released after being turned over to the state prosecutor's office.
In a statement, Veracruz prosecutors denied having released anyone, saying "La Loca" had indeed been arrested on two occasions but then handed over to federal prosecutors.
The executive branch in Veracruz and the prosecutor's office have long been at odds, leading to complaints against prosecutor Jorge Winckler alleging omissions and obstruction, charges he has always denied.
Anti-crime activist and businessman Raul Ojeda said the attack had all the hallmarks of an unmet demand for extortion payments.
He said the Zetas, Jalisco New Generation cartel and other local gangs are currently fighting for control of the city.
Photos of the scene showed tables and chairs jumbled around, with the bodies of semi-nude women lying amid the debris.
Veracruz prosecutors said the dead were 10 women and 16 men.
There was no immediate word on the condition of the 11 wounded.
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