At least 53 people are dead after a fiery attack at a casino in an upscale area of Monterrey, Mexico. In addition to the causalities, at least eight others were injured in the Thursday afternoon stack, government and emergency officials said.
Witnesses have told government officials that a gang of six entered the Casino Royale and demanded to speak to the manager. When their request was denied, they set the building on fire.
According to the state attorney general, Adrian de la Garza, a potent solvent was used to start the blaze, possibly gasoline or kerosene.
Previous reports citing the use of grenades or other explosives have yet to be verified, said de la Garza. An investigation is currently under way.
Between 24 and 36 people were trapped in the casino by falling debris; video from the attack showed a burned-out building as respondents attempted to break the wall of the façade of the casino to release the smoke inside the building.
Mexican President, Felipe Calderon, responded to the attacks through his official Twitter account:
“With deep consternation, I express my solidarity with Nuevo Leon and the victims of this abhorrent act of terror and barbarism,” he said. “These reprehensible acts require us all to preserve in the fight against gangs of unscrupulous criminals.”
