Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — After an investigation, Civil Protection has released the official cause of the hotel restaurant gas explosion that killed two. In a statement, the agency of Solidaridad reported human error as the cause and not an LP gas tank leak as initially suspected.
They reported that a gas oven knob left on (in the open position) but without being immediately lit was what caused the buildup of gas inside the restaurant kitchen. The moment the oven was lit, the explosion occurred.
Two employees of the hotel were killed in the Monday afternoon blast, while18 were left injured. According to the FGE, three of the injured were national tourists. They were treated at area hospitals and released the same day.
The municipal of Solidaridad also confirmed that the hotel had all of its Civil Protection papers in order and was operating with a valid license.
Authorities from the Ministry of Civil Protection are waiting on the opinion of the Attorney General’s Office (FGE) for further proceedings.
