Highway Blast Sparks Chaos
A gas tanker truck exploded on a major Mexico City highway Wednesday, unleashing flames and smoke across the southern part of the capital. The blast injured at least 57 people, including 19 in critical condition. Witnesses reported scenes of panic as bystanders fled the area, while some victims with severe burns waited for help in the middle of the road.
Mayor Clara Brugada described the explosion, which occurred beneath a highway overpass, as a major emergency. Authorities confirmed that 18 vehicles were destroyed in the blaze. Despite the scale of the disaster, no fatalities had been reported by Wednesday evening.
Cause Under Investigation
Prosecutors are investigating the cause of the explosion, but early reports suggest the tanker may have tipped over before igniting. Videos shared on social media showed fire erupting from the overturned truck and people fleeing in shock and distress. Some clips captured severely burned victims, their clothing shredded and fused to their skin, as emergency crews rushed past.
Cesar Cravioto, government secretary of Mexico City, said the fire was “completely under control” after hours of work by emergency teams. Firefighters used water cannons to suppress the flames while medics treated the injured on-site before transferring them to hospitals across the city.
Company Connection Disputed
The overturned tanker bore the logo of Silza, an energy business, though the company has denied ownership of the vehicle. A Silza official, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, said the firm only operates in northern Mexico. The company did not immediately respond to further requests for comment, leaving the tanker’s affiliation unclear.
Impact on Transportation
The explosion occurred on a key roadway connecting Mexico City to Puebla, a major route for commuters and cargo transport. Traffic came to a standstill as authorities closed the highway for several hours to allow rescue operations and clean-up efforts. By evening, the road was reopened, though delays continued as officials inspected the damage.
Mayor Brugada visited the site to coordinate with firefighters and medical teams. She emphasized that the government’s priority was to stabilize the injured and restore safety to one of the capital’s most critical transportation arteries.
