12 killed as Mexican police raid nightclub
Saturday, 21 Jun 2008 12:08
Twelve killed, 13 injured as Mexican police raid night club
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A total of 12 people were killed and thirteen injured when Mexican police raided a nightclub in the country's capital.
The New Divine club was hosting a party with drinks available for underage teenagers who were celebrating the end of the school year.
About 1,000 people were inside the two-storey club when the raid took place.
Security official Joel Ortega told local television station Televisa that an official at the nightclub had used a microphone to inform partygoers that a police operation was underway.
The announcement caused panic which led to partygoers rushing to the entrance and the emergency exit which were the only ways to leave the club, according to Ortega.
"Many of the people concentrated at the club's emergency exit, but it was too small and it was there that people died of asphyxia," Ortega told the broadcaster.
Police have arrested three employees at the nightclub and 39 others on the charge of disturbing the peace. Tickets to the party were sold at a price of $3 (£1.50).