April 4 (UPI) — Mexican police said authorities are investigating the robbery of 25 German tourists and three Mexicans near the Chiapas state’s municipality of Ocosingo by seven hooded men armed with guns and knives.
The incident occurred Saturday when tourists were traveling from San Cristóbal de las Casas to the Mayan archaeological site of Palenque, a trip which would take less than five hours. The bus driver took a detour after he found a road leading to Palenque was blocked by protesters. Police escorted the bus partly but stopped short of Palenque, saying their jurisdiction ended.
As the bus moved slowly along an unstable stretch of road, gunmen threatened to kill the bus driver so he would not drive off. The men boarded the bus and robbed passengers, including two Mexican tour guides, of items including cash and cameras. Police reached the tourists shortly after the robbery.
Following the incident, the Chiapas attorney general’s office said it would reinforce surveillance operations in all roads, particularly ahead of upcoming Easter celebrations.
“In addition, the local authority said that the safety of those who visit Chiapas tourist destinations during the next Easter holiday period is guaranteed,” the office said in a statement.
