The gas truck explosion injures 57 in Mexico City

A gas truck exploded in the district of Mexico Iztapalapa, injuring 57 people on Wednesday, said Mayor Clara Brugada at a press conference on the scene.

All the injured were taken to hospitals, including 19 in serious condition, said Brugada, accompanied by citizens’ security secretaries, Pablo Vázquez, and complete risk management and civil protection, Myriam Urzúa.

The images shared on social networks have shown that the flames drew high in the air while people were screaming and went from the scene.

Another video has shown that large plumes of smoke escaping from the truck while the emergencies were trying to turn off the fire.

According to the authorities, the explosion occurred after the vehicle carrying 49,500 liters of gas – known in Mexico under the name of “pipas” – overthrown by a highway in the region of Puente de la Concordia.

Brugada said that the explosion had generated a “shock wave” which affected 18 vehicles nearby and that the cause of the accident and the driver’s state are the subject of an investigation.

The fire was extinguished, said Brugada, but cooling efforts were continuing.