Mexico City, Mexico – A gas tanker truck exploded beneath a highway overpass in Mexico City, igniting several vehicles. The incident resulted in three fatalities and approximately 70 injuries.
According to witnesses, some victims sustained severe burns and were left waiting on the roadway for assistance, their clothing torn by the fire.
The tanker was carrying more than 13,000 gallons (49,500 liters) of gasoline when it crashed, sending fire and smoke across the southern part of the city.
Mayor Clara Brugada said all the injured were taken to hospitals, and nineteen people are seriously wounded with second and third-degree burns.
“It is a tragic accident. The prosecutor’s office is beginning investigations to determine what happened,” Ms. Brugada said at the scene.
The truck driver survived but is in critical condition, according to the City Security Minister.
Hours after the explosion, emergency crews successfully burned off the remaining fuel and removed the tanker without further incidents, officials confirmed.—Reymon Montero, Contributor