Mérida, Yucatan — An early morning gas explosion in a commercial plaza in the north part of Mérida has left several businesses destroyed and one in serious condition.
The explosion happened just after 7:00 a.m. in a shopping center on 47th Street of the Francisco de Montejo neighborhood. Firefighters, paramedics and police officers attend the emergency. Several shop owners said they detected the smell of gas around 6:30 a.m. with at least one person calling emergency services, however, the explosion occurred before they arrived.
The explosion is said to have originated in a business located inside the commercial plaza. Through the social networks, the Ministry of Public Security announced that the explosion was caused by an accumulation of gas. The impact damaged several other shops including a pharmacy, bakery and a laundry mat, among others. Two vehicles that were parked nearby were also damaged.
The impact from the exploding tank was also felt across the street where it blew out windows in a Chinese food restaurant and upstairs gym.
Authorities report one seriously injured person who was transported to hospital.
