On Sunday June 23, at noon there was a strong mobilization involving agents of the Municipal Police of Mérida as well as firefighters of the Ministry of Public Security of Yucatan (SSP) in response to an emergency situation that came up in the Lucas de Galvez market.
According to witnesses, first an explosion was heard that spread a strong cloud of smoke that covered the fruit and vegetable sales area of the market, that is one of the main supply centers in the state capital.
People who were present in the area had difficulty breathing due to the toxic smoke and evacuated the Mercado with the help of merchants and customers, who gave prompt notice to the emergency services.
Firefighters from the SSP of Yucatan arrived on site wearing protective suits and face masks that allowed them to review the area and rescue anyone who was still inside the facility. According to unofficial versions, there were two people allegedly intoxicated who were taken in an ambulance to a local hospital.
So far it is not known exactly of what substance was the toxic cloud made of, but it definitely caused the evacuation of the Lucas de Galvez. Some say it could have been vapors of chlorine, butane gas or even gas accumulated from one of septic tanks underneath the market.
In response to the incident, around 60 agents of the Municipal Police of Mérida arrived at the site, evacuating and securing the area to prevent more people from being affected by the toxic cloud.
The Yucatan Times
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