Mexico City gas tanker explosion kills 3, injures over 70 in horrific accident

(Web Desk): A horrific gas tanker accident in Mexico City has claimed the lives of three people, while dozens have been severely burned, according to international media reports.

The incident occurred on the southeastern highway of the capital when a gas tanker overturned and exploded with a loud blast. The explosion led to a massive fire, resulting in at least 3 deaths and injuries to more than 70 people.

The catastrophic event took place near the border of Iztapalapa district in Mexico City and Chalco in the neighboring State of Mexico. After the tanker overturned, it caught fire, engulfing several nearby vehicles in flames.

Local authorities reported that many of the injured are in critical condition, including a newborn baby and a two-year-old child. Among the injured is also the tanker driver.

Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control. According to officials, the tanker's explosion was so powerful that it burned nearly 30 vehicles to ashes.

Drone footage captured firefighters working to extinguish the flames and cool down the charred vehicles.

Mexico City’s mayor, Clara Brugada, declared the explosion a state of emergency. Posting on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), she confirmed the casualties and released a preliminary list of the injured, which will be updated after further medical evaluation.

According to Brugada, the truck was carrying 49,500 liters of liquefied petroleum gas when it overturned and exploded on the highway.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences to the families of the deceased on platform X and praised the efforts of emergency response teams.

Authorities say that several victims sustained severe burn injuries, but the surrounding fire from the tanker has now been fully extinguished by fire crews.