Mexico casino attack leaves at least 53 dead

 Mexico's ongoing drug war continues to claim lives and disrupt order in the country.

By William Booth,
WashPost
Published: August 25 | Updated: Friday, August 26, 12:00 AM

MEXICO CITY — At least 53 people were killed Thursday, officials said, when a northern Mexico casino was attacked by men who fired off guns and ignited drapes, rugs and furniture.

Some witnesses reported that the attackers threw grenades into the Casino Royale in Monterrey, while others said gasoline bombs started the fire. The flames trapped customers and staff in the building. A survivor told the Mexico City newspaper Reforma that many of the dead were crushed to death in a stampede for the emergency exits.

Nuevo Leon state Attorney General Leon Adrian de la Garza said authorities had located about 40 bodies “but we could find more.” Many appeared to have died from smoke inhalation. He said a drug cartel was apparently responsible for the attack.

Nuevo Leon Gov. Rodrigo Medina told the Televisa network late Thursday that the death toll had reached 53.

(More here.)