Former Prince George Resident Dies In Mexican Blast

Monday, November 15, 2010 05:16 AM

Prince George – A former Prince George resident is among the seven who died in an explosion at a Mexican resort in Cancun. Two Mexican workers and five Canadians, four men and a woman died in the blast.

Malcom William Johnson a realtor from Nanaimo was a former Prince George resident. His family still resides in the city. He was at the resort for his marriage.

The explosion, which officials say may have been caused by a buildup of gas from a nearby swamp, tore through the lobby of the 676-room Grand Riviera Princess Hotel in Playa del Carmen in the tourist region known as the Mayan Riviera around 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

The woman was Darlene Ferguson, 52, from Ardrossan, Alta., east of Edmonton, who was in Mexico for her son's wedding.

Alberta resident Chris Charmont, 41, and his nine-year-old son, John, were also killed. The identity of the fifth Canadian who died has yet to be confirmed.