A renowned American tourist hotel in Mexico was thrown into disarray Thursday after reports of the shooting. According to local officials, a conflict between drug traffickers erupted into deadly violence on a nearby beach.
"A battle occurred on a beach in Baha Petempich, Puerto Morelos, involving members of opposing drug-dealing organizations." "Two of them died at the scene," the Quintana Roo state prosecutor's office said on Twitter.
According to the report, no further significant injuries have been recorded. According to a tweet from the state office of public security, "there are no critically injured or abducted visitors."
Puerto Morelos is a renowned tourist destination on Mexico's east coast, approximately 15 miles south of Cancun.
Several guests at the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun told CNN that they had been advised to hide in place because the hotel was under attack. One reported they heard numerous gunshots while in the pool area and were temporarily ushered into concealment by officials.
"I was beside the pool when multiple gunshots were fired in quick succession." "It continued for a short time, and everyone dove for cover," the visitor explained.
"We manned the basement exits and were handed metal weapons and even a pedestal bathroom sink to protect ourselves," the guest explained.
The Hyatt hotel chain stated that local employees are collaborating with the law police.
"The safety and well-being of our visitors and workers are always of the first importance." We are aware of an ongoing incident at the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun. "From what we gather, the hotel crew promptly contacted local police, who are on the scene investigating the issue," a Hyatt representative said Thursday.
According to CNN, the US Embassy in Mexico City is reportedly "informed of the claims, and the embassy in Merida is investigating into the matter."