Mexico: Mayor blames club deaths on police

MEXICO CITY, June 22 (UPI) -- Mexico City officials blame local police for making mistakes that triggered a stampede at a nightclub that left 12 dead.

Mayor Marcelo Ebrard said police caused a panic when they announced the raid on the club, El Universal reported Sunday.

Following Friday's raid, Mexico City Police Chief Joel Ortega said the deadly incident began when police entered a disco on suspicion that drugs and alcohol were being sold to minors and a melee broke out.

Patrons rushed toward the club's single emergency exit, which allegedly was blocked by cases of beer. The crowding of so many people into the small space cause the victims to die of asphyxia, Ortega said.

The police chief denied earlier reports that police used tear gas, adding that officers believe there were at least 500 people inside the club at the time.