A gas tanker truck explosion in Mexico City killed three people and injured 70 others on Wednesday. The massive tanker exploded and burned several vehicles while it was crossing under a major highway overpass.
Some of the victims had their entire bodies charred from the fire and others waited by the road with burns and torn clothing for help. The flames from the accident sent smoke covering the southern part of Mexico’s capital, reports AP/UNB.
The truck was carrying gasoline which was more than 13,000 gallons (49,500 litres).
Mayor Clara Brugada referred to the explosion as an “emergency” that caused severe damage, burning nearly 30 vehicles and leaving 19 individuals in critical condition, including the truck driver. Among the victims were a baby and a two-year-old child.
Brugada confirmed that investigators were looking into the cause, but initial findings suggested the truck exploded after tipping over on the highway. “This is a horrible accident,” the mayor said while at the scene.
The gas tanker, which had the Silza energy company’s logo on it, was found on its side. However, an unnamed company representative speaking with reporters denied that the truck belonged to Silza. The company did not respond to an email seeking further comment or clarification.
Later that evening, Mexico’s environmental ministry released a statement indicating that Silza lacked the updated insurance necessary to transport gas, as their application had been rejected.
Photos shared online by authorities showed flames rising from the truck. On social media, images appeared showing people fleeing the explosion, some of whom were severely burned, with their clothing melted into their skin, while others had faces badly burned.
As emergency crews rushed to the scene, neighbours worked together to pull burn victims from the flames and bring them to safety.
The list of injuries revealed some victims suffered burns covering up to 100% of their bodies.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offered her condolences to the families of the deceased in a post on X and expressed gratitude for the efforts of emergency responders.
After firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze, Mexico City officials declared that the flames were “completely under control.”
The explosion took place on a major highway leading out of Mexico City toward Puebla. The road was cleared and reopened by the evening.
