Officials in Mexico have reported the arrest of a man suspected of causing a deadly fire in a bar, resulting in the tragic death of 11 people.
The incident occurred on Friday night in San Luis Rio Colorado, which is located near the United States border.
The suspect, described as a drunk young man who had been harassing women, allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the Beer House bar after being kicked out.
According to a statement from the Sonora state Attorney General’s Office, the fire claimed the lives of seven men and four women, while leaving four others injured.
Some of the injured individuals were rushed to hospitals in the United States for medical treatment. As of now, the identity of the arrested suspect has not been disclosed. The Mayor of San Luis Rio Colorado announced the arrest via a tweet on Saturday afternoon.
“According to versions (from) several witnesses, the person with a young, male appearance was disrespecting women in that bar and was expelled,” the statement said.
It described the object thrown “a kind of ‘Molotov’ cocktail”.
Investigations continue to “clarify the facts” and “bring justice” it said, adding that “in Sonora, no one is above the law”.
It is unclear if the incident is related to organised crime, which has plagued Mexico for years.