One man died, three were injured and more than 20 properties and businesses damaged after a gas explosion in the El Pitillal neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta on May 26.

The explosion occurred at a tortilleria at the corner of calles Juarez and Independencia.

The force of the explosion killed Juan Manuel Peña, 37, who was walking outside the store at the time of the blast.

Witnesses said a strong smell of gas was evident in the area several hours before the explosion.

One injured woman rescued by firefighters from inside a boutique also suffered a nervous collapse.

The tortilleria was not open at the time of the explosion. The owner of a pool hall said he realized that gas was leaking from the business and slipped a note under the door to warn the owners.

One of the injured was a churro vendor who had operated a stall across from the tortilleria for many years, neighbors said.