MEXICO CITY (AP) — A tanker truck explosion on a Mexico City highway on Wednesday killed at least eight people and injured 90.
The incident occurred on a busy road in the Iztapalapa district, engulfing over two dozen vehicles in flames. First responders reported numerous survivors suffering second- and third-degree burns. As of Thursday, 67 individuals remain hospitalized, with 22 in critical condition, according to authorities.
Preliminary reviews show the truck, carrying over 13,000 gallons of liquid propane, lacked up-to-date insurance for transporting its cargo, a claim the company, Silza Transport, denied.
Mayor Clara Brugada confirmed the rising death toll and described the scene as chaotic as families awaited news of injured loved ones at hospitals.
Witnesses reported horrific sights as victims fled the scene, some suffering severe burns. Local residents and officials provided food and water to those waiting for updates on the victims.
The federal agency overseeing industrial safety confirmed that Silza did not have the required insurance documentation. Silza Transport stated it had three active policies to cover damages and is taking steps to assist affected families.
This crash is not an isolated incident; past incidents involving tankers have resulted in fatalities, including a 2020 accident in Nayarit that killed 13 people.