Three dead and 70 injured in devastating tank truck explosion in Mexico

Three dead and 70 injured in devastating tank truck explosion in Mexico

A devastating accident occurred in Mexico City on Tuesday in which a tanker truck filled with liquid gas overturned and caused an explosion. This serious incident claimed the lives of three people and injured 70 others, including small children and a baby. Mayor Clara Brugada described how a massive pressure wave caused by the explosion frightened many passers-by and confronted the emergency services on site with dramatic scenes. The fire department arrived quickly on the scene and was able to contain the fire, which had engulfed several vehicles, according to Laura Velázquez, coordinator of the National Civil Defense.

The scene of the accident in the Santa Martha Acatitla district was quickly secured by firefighters and paramedics. At least 19 people suffered serious burns in the explosion, and three injured people tragically died in hospitals. Dramatic videos show the chaos that unfolded after the explosion, with people screaming for help. The driver of the tanker truck is now seriously injured in hospital.

Second explosion causes further disaster

Just a short time later, another devastating incident occurred near Mexico City. A trailer carrying LPG separated from its truck and crashed into a residential building in Ecatepec. This explosion devastated the surrounding buildings and claimed at least 23 lives, including ten children and teenagers. A further 26 people were injured, 13 of whom were admitted to hospital in critical condition.

As the reports show, the pressure wave from the second explosion threw the tank several hundred meters through the air. 45 houses and 16 vehicles were significantly damaged and an entire residential building was completely destroyed. Here too, firefighters, paramedics, police officers and soldiers are involved in the rescue work. The public prosecutor's office has already launched an investigation to clarify the exact causes. The driver of the truck was taken to the hospital and is in custody.

Reactions and measures

At the political level, safety proposals for expressways are being considered to avoid such tragic accidents in the future. The President of Mexico has instructed Civil Defense to immediately develop solutions. There is great concern among the population about the safety when dealing with dangerous substances, as defined in the Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances (TRGS), including TRGS 002 and TRGS 003, which set safety standards.

Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. Following these incidents, the city is called upon to review safety precautions and take future preventative measures.