Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — Authorities say more than 1,500 people were evacuated from a Playa del Carmen shopping mall Wednesday. Plaza Las Americas was evacuated after a restaurant kitchen caught fire.
Thick black smoke was seen coming from the top exterior of the building which triggered the response from city firemen. The thick smoke began to fill second story businesses, promoting those inside to head to the parking lot.
The incident happened around 2:00 p.m. when fire alarms inside the affected restaurant went off. Staff were able to control the fire with on-site extinguishers by the time firemen arrived.
State Civil Protection Secretary Darwin Covarrubias reported that the fire originated in the kitchen of the La Casa de los Abuelos restaurant. One person was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.
“Thanks to the timely intervention of municipal authorities led by Mayor Estefanía Mercado, a fire inside a restaurant in Plaza Las Américas was brought under control in just a few minutes, resulting in the preventive evacuation of 1,500 people without any casualties.
“Following instructions from the Mayor, the Secretariat of Civil Protection, Risk Prevention, and Firefighters, in coordination with Citizen Security personnel, immediately implemented a joint operation to safeguard the safety of workers, visitors, and business owners.
“Secretary Darwin Covarrubias reported that the fire allegedly originated in the kitchen of the La Casa de los Abuelos restaurant and left one person treated and taken to the hospital for poisoning.
“The area was cordoned off and undergoing technical evaluation to ensure safe conditions before reopening. This result is the result of ongoing training and a government that acts quickly in emergencies, always prioritizing the lives and well-being of the people,” PDC Bomberos said in a statement.
An official cause for the restaurant kitchen fire is still being investigated.
