by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:10 AM ET, Fri February 23, 2018
Mexican officials are reporting that an explosion on a ferry preparing to take tourists to Playa del Carmen left at least 25 people injured Wednesday.
According to Reportur.com, at least five international tourists were injured in the explosion, including two Americans and three Canadians, but the number of injuries varies by source. The director of Civil Protection for Playa del Carmen reported there were no fatalities.
The explosion took place Wednesday at around 1 p.m. local time as passengers were disembarking from the ferry. The ship transports tourists between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.
Videos and images from the explosion have surfaced on Twitter:
"Regarding the incident occurred in the wharf of Playa del Carmen with one of the Barcos Caribe boats that suffered a mishap, we inform that the area of Tourist Attention is attending tourists who have been affected and are in permanent contact with the respective hotels and consulates," The Ministry of Tourism in Quintana Roo said in a statement. "It is reported that the cases attended are not serious, and the accident was contained immediately."
The initial investigation has revealed the explosion was caused by a mechanical failure, according to Quintana Roo officials. Two of the injured Americans were Rebecca Lahlum and her 14-year-old son, who suffered minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital, according to ABCNews.com.
The explosion left a massive hole in the starboard side of the Barcos Caribe ship. The Port Administration of Quintana Roo revealed that service to the nearby Mexican resort island of Cozumel would continue with other ferry companies.
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