Travelers Flee Cancun Airport After Loud Bangs
A loud noise triggered panic and a stampede Monday at the Cancun’s international airport, one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations. Travelers reported chaotic scenes following the loud blast that sounded like gunfire or a bomb. Some early media posts also suggested gun fire.
🚨#BREAKING: Terminal partially evacuated at #Cancun International Airport in #Mexico after unconfirmed reports of shots fired pic.twitter.com/fGUAahNcnl
— World Source News 24/7 (@Worldsource24) March 28, 2022
However, the country’s National Guard said there was no evidence that gunshots were fired. They think that the bangs may have occurred after someone knocked over three free-standing vertical display stands in the terminal. There were also reports that an x-ray machine had exploded.
Later, the airport explained in a statement that “the alarm situation was caused by three signboards that fell after being inadvertently pushed over, creating a noise that caused a rushed exit by airport users.”
The Caribbean coast, Mexico’s top tourist money-maker, has been hit by rampant violence. Last week, authorities found four bodies Cancun and said they were part of a total of 13 murders committed by the Jalisco cartel in the resort since September. Most of the bodies were found in vacant lots or houses.
In January, prosecutors said the killing of two Canadians near Cancun was motivated by debts between international gangs apparently dedicated to drug and weapons trafficking. In late October, in Tulum, two tourists were caught in the apparent crossfire of rival drug dealers and killed, ABC reports.
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I was there. Actually, a woman began to run yelling “gun, gun!”
Chaos ensued. Airport suspended operations. Mexican National Guard troops swept through the terminal.
Nothing even vaguely resembling the sound of gunfire.
Some passengers ended up being delayed 14-18 hours. Incoming flights were returned to their origin.
Nice touch in the Duty Free area. Gracious, calm staff offering liquor and tequila samples.
Why are people so jumpy when traveling to Mexico…
Shrill American media.