San Juan, Dec 16 (AP) Five people were killed in a drive-by shooting in the US territory of Puerto Rico, forcing authorities to close a portion of a highway, police said Tuesday.

Three of the victims were found dead inside a pickup in the eastern coastal town of Ceiba, while a fourth was found on the pavement. A fifth victim died at a hospital while being treated for his wounds, according to a police statement.

Also Read | Nigeria Boat Capsize: Eight Dead, 100 Missing After Overcrowded Ship Capsizes in Nigeria River.

One of the victims is a 16-year-old boy, Police Commissioner Antonio López told WKAQ radio station. He said weapons were found inside the bullet-riddled pickup, and that the victims had just left a cock-fighting establishment in the nearby town of Naguabo.

It wasn't immediately clear what led to the shooting that occurred late Monday, although López said authorities believe it is related to drug trafficking.

Also Read | Madison Marsh Crowned Miss America 2024: 22-Year-Old Becomes First Active-Duty US Air Force Officer to Hold National Pageant Title.

At least 28 people have been reported killed so far this year on the island of 3.2 million people, compared with 30 in the same period last year. (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)