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British guests escape Mexico death blast
None of the 100 or so British guests staying at the Mexican hotel that suffered a gas explosion was injured in the blast on Sunday which left seven dead.
Thomson, First Choice and Thomas Cook said all their guests staying at the five-star Grand Riviera Princess Hotel in Playa del Carmen, near Cancun were accounted for and none had suffered any injuries.
The dead are believed to be five Canadian tourists, including a man and his nine-year-old son, and two hotel workers. At least 17 others were injured in the blast, which is believed to have been caused by a build up of natural gas.
Thomas Cook, whose brand Hotels4U had 12 guests at the property, said the explosion at 9am on Sunday morning occurred in the platinum area of the hotel which it did not sell.
"We are waiting for an update from resort as to the full extent of the damage and an idea from the hotel of when they believe they will be in a position to accept future arrivals," said a spokesman.
"Once this is known we will make a decision although at the moment our next arrival is not until 20th November."
A statement from Thomson and First Choice said: “We have met and spoken to all of our 86 customers on site, and can confirm that none have been injured in this unfortunate incident.
“Resort staff are offering every assistance to our customers at the hotel itself. Their safety and wellbeing is and will remain our utmost priority."
Thomson and First Choice said guests due to arrive at the resort within the next couple of days will be provided with alternative accommodation ‘of the same, if not higher standard’.
Arrivals after Wednesday will be notified if changes are made to their accommodation. Anyone with any queries should call 0800 009 3839.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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