MEXICO CITY—A tragic explosion involving a gas tanker on a major highway resulted in at least four deaths and left around 90 individuals injured on Wednesday. The incident occurred when a tanker carrying over 13,000 gallons of gasoline overturned and ignited, engulfing nearby vehicles in flames and creating a chaotic scene.
The aftermath was harrowing, with survivors severely burned and struggling to find safety among the wreckage of more than two dozen vehicles. Medical personnel reported that many victims sustained second- and third-degree burns. Disturbing images from the site captured the desperate situation as first responders arrived to aid those in distress.
Eyewitnesses recounted the sheer terror of the explosion. The crash took place on a highway connecting Mexico City and Puebla, specifically in the densely populated borough of Iztapalapa. Local residents rushed to assist, pulling injured individuals from the flames while emergency crews worked to extinguish the fire. Some victims, including a baby and a toddler, suffered burns covering over 100% of their bodies.
Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Preliminary findings indicated that the tanker truck, associated with the company Silza, did not possess the necessary current insurance to legally transport gas. Despite the company’s branding on the vehicle, an unnamed official from Silza denied ownership in a conversation with local media.
The explosion has reignited discussions about the safety of transporting hazardous materials on Mexico’s roadways. In recent years, there have been multiple deadly incidents involving both large tankers and smaller delivery trucks carrying propane. Notably, a 2020 incident in Nayarit resulted in the deaths of 13 people when a double tanker caught fire. Furthermore, a 2015 explosion at a Mexico City maternity hospital was caused by a propane leak from a smaller delivery truck, claiming five lives and injuring many others.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada expressed her sorrow over the tragic accident while surveying the scene. “This is a horrible accident,” she stated, highlighting the urgent need for a thorough investigation.
In light of these events, President Claudia Sheinbaum extended her condolences to the victims’ families via social media, emphasizing the importance of honoring those affected while also thanking emergency services for their rapid response.
As the investigation progresses, officials are likely to scrutinize industry regulations and safety protocols governing the transportation of flammable materials. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with the logistics sector in Mexico and the ongoing need for stricter enforcement of safety standards.