TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A quick getaway turned dangerous for a Tampa man vacationing in western Mexico after cartel-related violence erupted across parts of the state of Jalisco.

Authorities said the unrest began after the Mexican military killed a major cartel leader, sparking violent retaliation. In total, more than 70 people died.

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Raymond Garcia had been in Puerto Vallarta since Thursday with friends when smoke began filling the sky near his hotel.

“I received an alert from my hotel talking about stay inside,” Garcia said.

Garcia said he went to the rooftop and saw smoke drifting over the city. Video he shared shows dark plumes rising above buildings.

He later recorded burned cars and buses along roadways as he tried to leave the area.

“I was inhaling the smoke. But I was just kind of nervous, like, what’s going on here? What’s going to happen? Just not sure what was going to happen then,” Garcia said.

As he traveled through the area, Garcia said he saw widespread damage.

“We saw buses, like there was a row, three busses that were burnt. There were cars still burning, businesses that were burnt. So, we were just kind of looking around in shock,” he said.

Once flights reopened, Garcia headed to the airport.

However, delays and cancellations caused him to miss his connection in Dallas, forcing him to stay overnight before continuing home to Tampa. He is expected to land back in Tampa late Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Tampa-based travel agent Cheryll Lilland with Peachy Keen Travel said she had a group scheduled to arrive in Mexico on Monday but canceled their plans after seeing the news.

“I would say definitely, opt for travel insurance because, even if it’s, a safe environment, you just never know what’s going to happen,” Lilland said.

Lilland also encouraged travelers to plan ahead.

“I would definitely, suggest booking your transfers to and from the resorts beforehand. And work with a travel agent if you can,” she said.

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