COATZACOALCOS, Mexico (AP) — Anger is mounting among relatives of 26 people who died horrendously when gang members set a bar on fire after blocking its exits. The families complained that criminals are out of control and making life impossible in this southern Mexico oil town.

Thousands have been kidnapped and disappeared in surrounding Veracruz state, and in April gunmen broke into a family party and opened fire, killing 13 people and wounding at least four others.

Businessmen say gangs in Coatzacoalcos demand protection money from business owners, and at least two bars were burned down in Coatzacoalcos in July to enforce such demands.

Relatives of those killed at the White Horse bar said Wednesday they have lost trust in authorities.