Violent Day in Puerto Vallarta Leaves Dozens of Fires and One Dead; Preliminary Figures Released

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco — February 23, 2026

A wave of violence on Sunday left dozens of vehicles and businesses set ablaze, caused the collapse of a bridge, and resulted in one confirmed death, according to preliminary reports from Civil Protection and Firefighters in Puerto Vallarta.

Authorities emphasized that the figures are based on informational cut-off reports compiled throughout the day and early morning hours, and totals may change as official assessments continue.

First Report: 8:15 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Emergency calls began coming in shortly after 8:15 a.m., reporting fires across multiple areas of the municipality. The preliminary count includes:

• 26 private vehicles completely burned

• 2 buses consumed by flames

• 6 convenience stores damaged, including branches of OXXO, Kiosko, and 2Box

• 1 Coppel department store set on fire

• 1 fire reported at the municipal market in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood

• Reports of gunfire in the vicinity of Ixtapa, Agua Azul neighborhood, and the downtown area

• Collapse of the La Desembocada bridge

• 1 person deceased at the Ixtapa Penitentiary Center, reportedly a correctional officer

Second Report: 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Throughout the afternoon and evening, additional incidents were recorded, primarily involving convenience stores:

• 10 more private vehicles set on fire

• 21 convenience stores affected, including OXXO, Kiosko, and Farmacias Guadalajara

• 1 injured individual from the Ixtapa Penitentiary Center, reportedly a correctional officer, transported and guarded at Base Calle

• 1 person reported ill inside a commercial establishment

Third Report: 9:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. (Monday, February 23)

Incidents continued overnight:

• 4 additional convenience stores set ablaze

• 1 lot fire

• 1 person reported ill at a residence

• 1 injured person found on a public roadway

Authorities remain on high alert and continue responding to emergencies in different parts of the municipality. Officials reiterated that the data remains preliminary and could increase as formal damage assessments are finalized.

Security forces and emergency crews are still evaluating the situation as the city works to restore order following one of the most violent days in recent memory.