Fire Attack on Illegal Tijuana Casino Leaves Two Dead

On November 22, a fire erupted at an illicit casino in Tijuana, triggered by a hit-and-run attack involving a Molotov cocktail thrown by individuals on a motorcycle. The assailants quickly vanished from the scene, leaving chaos in their wake.

The flames rapidly consumed the casino, situated at the crossroads of Pacífico Avenue and Granizo Street in Tijuana's tourist area. Firefighters swiftly surrounded the premises, managing to bring the situation under control. Regrettably, the fire claimed the lives of two individuals, and the identity of their remains remains unknown. Another person sustained severe injuries and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital.

The police are grappling with a lack of leads in identifying the perpetrators. The only available information pertains to the eyewitness accounts of the individuals on the motorcycle responsible for the firebombing. Baja California's prosecution is actively investigating the incident, but at the time of writing, additional details have proven elusive. Authorities are uncertain whether the attack targeted a specific individual at the casino or the property itself.

Tijuana, as a border city, has long been plagued by organized crime. Speculation suggests a potential link between the fire and gang violence, a recurring issue due to the city's susceptibility to criminal activities. The region is notorious for cartel movements, engaging in various illegal activities such as gambling and human trafficking.

Tragically, the Tijuana casino fire isn't an isolated incident. In September, Mexican authorities apprehended the leader of a cartel responsible for a destructive fire at Casino Royale in Monterrey.