Media365
A gas leak from a tanker truck ignited a massive explosion under a highway overpass in Mexico City on Wednesday afternoon, killing and injuring at least 70 people, officials said.The blast tore through Iztapalapa, the capital’s most populous borough, leaving scenes of chaos as flames engulfed vehicles and terrified residents rushed to safety. Mayor Clara Brugada, speaking at the scene, described it as “a tragic accident,” adding that investigations were underway to determine the cause.While no deaths had been reported, Brugada confirmed that 19 of the injured remain in critical condition, many suffering severe burns. “It is a tragic accident. The prosecutor’s office is beginning investigations to determine what happened,” she said.Videos circulating online showed bystanders in shredded, charred clothing stumbling away from the blaze, while firefighters battled to contain both the flames and the ongoing leak. The tanker was still believed to be carrying about 20,000 litres (5,300 gallons) of fuel at the time of the accident, according to fire department spokesperson Judith Rodríguez Vargas.By late evening, the inferno had been extinguished, though emergency crews remained on high alert in case of further ignition.
