Five people are reportedly dead and fifteen others injured after a shooting occurred on the final day of BPM music festival in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. The shots were fired outside of Blue Parrot nightclub in the early hours of the morning following a dispute inside the nightclub, revealed Quintana Roo State police director, Rodolfo Del Angel.
Security personnel died trying to contain the dispute
BPM released a statement that among the five deceased are three members of their security team. Before the shooting, the security team tried to contain a conflict, which started inside of the club when a reported 'lone gunman' started shooting.
BPM added on their Facebook page, "We are overcome with grief over the senseless act of violence, and we are cooperating fully with local law enforcement and government officials as they continue their investigation.
The electronic dance festival attracts thousands
The BPM Festival attracts thousand's of electronic music fans each year, and it is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The festival was running from January 6th-January 15th. The party at Blue Parrot nightclub was a closing party for the festival with Glasgow-based DJ Jackmaster djing. Jackmaster took to Twitter at 3:02 AM saying, "Someone has come into the club in Playa Del Carmen and opened fire. 4-5 dead and many wounded..." Witnesses at the club stated that at first shot, they thought it was fireworks but when they realized that it was gunshots they began to hide behind tables and walls in the club.
Witnesses outside of the club, described the scene as chaotic when the man started to shoot as everyone scrambled out of the area. There has been no official confirmation of the death toll.
The shooting will affect tourism
The Quintana Roo area has typically been less violent than other parts of Mexico, but this shooting could have an adverse impact on Mexico's tourist industry. Playa Del Carmen, in particular, attracts many foreign tourists annually with its vibrant nightlife. Due to its nightlife and party scene, the town has also been a hub for a local drug market.