By Dhruvi Shah
An explosion involving a gas tanker truck rocked southern Mexico City on Wednesday, killing three people and injuring roughly 70 others. The truck was carrying more than 13,000 gallons (49,500 liters) of gasoline when it overturned on a major highway and erupted into flames, igniting the vehicles sitting beneath the overpass.
There was massive damage caused by the explosion, thick smoke covered large parts of the city, and there were an estimated 30 fire victims who had their vehicles burnt. Emergency responders, including firefighters and paramedics, arrived at the scene and cut victims out of the wreckage while attempting to extinguish the flames. Officials indicated that 19 of the injured were in critical condition, including the driver of the truck; also, there was at least a baby and a two-year-old child among the injured. Many of the injured had serious burn injuries, while others were sitting on the road with torn clothes and injuries, waiting for medical attention.
Mayor Clara Brugada called the event an “emergency of enormous magnitude,” stating it was one of the worst accidents in the last couple of years. She gave assurances to the public that prosecutors are conducting an investigation. The preliminary indications show that the tanker exploded after it crashed on its side. Officials indicated that they are also investigating all other possible factors.
The upside-down pickup truck had the name of the energy company, Silza, on it. But when the Associated Press asked a company official, who did not want to be named, the official said they did not own the truck. Silza has made no public statement or clarification.
“This is a horrible tragedy for the city,” Brugada said to reporters at the scene.
Authorities are trying to identify the victims and care for the injured in hospitals. Traffic was significantly disrupted in the southern capital because of the explosion, and residents are asked to avoid the area until the wreckage is cleared.