Mexico Cartel: Killing of El Mencho Sparks Smoke, Fires and Tourists Sheltering in Puerto Vallarta

Smoke filled the sky and Puerto Vallarta erupted into chaos after the government killed a drug kingpin, forcing tourists and residents to shelter in place. The Mexico Cartel-linked violence followed the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho, " and left burned vehicles, scorched stores and deserted streets.

Mexico Cartel leader killed in shoot-out 180 miles from Puerto Vallarta

The Mexican military killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, nicknamed El Mencho, the head of the New Generation drug cartel, in a shoot-out 180 miles east of Puerto Vallarta in the state of Jalisco. Mexico had offered a $15 million reward for his capture.

Scenes of fire, barricades and two waves of attacks

Videos captured large fires and heavy damage: shops and cars burned, and burned-out shells of vehicles remained on streets while damaged stores were heavily scorched. Witness accounts described two distinct waves of violence that began early Sunday morning. The first wave involved several cars set on fire on the main road and on bridges in and out of the Zona Romántica area, with much of that activity taking place in an area behind the foothills.

Witnesses said barricades made from buses and taxis had been placed at intersections overnight and later set alight in a coordinated second wave that targeted the interior of the Zona Romántica, with the apparent intention of prolonging fires and terrifying residents and visitors.

Tourists, residents and local responses

Tourists and residents cowered in fear as smoke and flames spread. Jim Beck, an American tourist sheltering in a Puerto Vallarta hotel, described seeing taxicabs blown up and blocking streets and said it was the first time he felt real fear. Marcus Brady, a Chicago resident in Puerto Vallarta who shared videos of the violence, said he believed the cartel intended to send a message to the Mexican government and to American and Canadian tourists that the group could take control of the area.

Another Chicago resident, Yoni Pizer, said he, his husband and friends had to run for their lives to escape what he identified as members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Puerto Vallarta. Pizer said his SUV was torched during the escape but that a passerby helped them get away.

Airport chaos and travel disruptions

Video showed sirens blaring and passengers and workers running through the airport in Puerto Vallarta, though it was unclear in the provided context why the sirens went off or why people were running. Images showed long lines of people hiding behind ticket counters. Road closures affected some travelers' ability to reach airports, embassy and consulate officials confirmed.

A regional television video showed several cars in the parking lot of a Costco set ablaze, and burned vehicles and blocked roads impeded movement across parts of the resort city.

Local perspectives, canceled classes and the unclear details

Streets were reportedly deserted the day after the violence, with locals and tourists following remain-in-place orders. Schools in several states canceled classes. Eyewitnesses shared images and video of the aftermath, and accounts emphasized the shock and disruption to daily life.

Steven Polito, a drag performer who divides his time between New York City and Puerto Vallarta, wrote in an online essay that the morning felt unusually quiet when he went to the gym at 8: 30 a. m., and that by about 10: 00 a. m. the scene had become very different. The rest of that account was unclear in the provided context.

This is a developing situation and details may evolve as authorities and local officials continue to respond.