MEXICO CITY — A tanker carrying thousands of litres of gas overturned and exploded in Mexico’s capital on Wednesday, sending a shockwave through nearby streets. Four people were killed, and at least 90 were injured, according to city officials.
The blast took place in the Puente de la Concordia area of Iztapalapa, one of the city’s most densely populated boroughs.
Mayor Clara Brugada described scenes of panic as residents fled the fire. “Many of the injured are in serious condition,” she told reporters at an evening press conference.
Videos shared online showed flames rising above the highway as people screamed and ran for cover. Thick smoke billowed across the neighbourhood, forcing emergency workers to battle both the blaze and the chaos on the ground.
The explosion damaged 32 vehicles parked or driving near the site, the city prosecutor’s office said. The fire was brought under control later in the evening, though cooling operations continued well into the night.
The tanker, known locally as a pipa, was carrying 49,500 litres of gas when it overturned. Authorities said the accident triggered the explosion, though forensic experts are still working to confirm the precise cause.
“We are gathering initial evidence to determine what happened and to establish accountability,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement. Officials also promised support for victims and their families.
The investigation will examine whether the company that owned the tanker complied with safety regulations. The condition of the driver, who survived the explosion, is also under review.
For residents of Iztapalapa, the incident was a brutal reminder of the risks posed by heavy tanker traffic on crowded roads. The borough, home to nearly two million people, has long struggled with infrastructure that mixes residential areas with industrial transport routes.
By nightfall, emergency workers remained at the scene, dousing hot spots and clearing debris. Families gathered nearby, waiting for news of loved ones taken to hospitals across the city.
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