A gas tanker truck exploded beneath a highway overpass in southeast Mexico City on Wednesday, killing three people and injuring 70 others, according to city authorities. The blast occurred in the Iztapalapa borough after the tanker overturned and caught fire, igniting a series of secondary explosions and engulfing several vehicles. Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada confirmed that at least 30 vehicles were consumed by flames following the explosion. Of the 70 individuals injured, 19 remain in critical condition, including the driver of the tanker.
Among the injured are two children, a baby and a two-year-old, who sustained burn injuries and are receiving medical treatment at local hospitals. Emergency crews responded rapidly to the scene, deploying firefighters, police units, and rescue personnel to control the blaze and evacuate nearby areas. Firefighters brought the fire under control after several hours. Civil Protection officials later announced the reopening of the affected section of the highway, a key transportation artery in the capital, after safety inspections were completed.
The tanker truck was carrying approximately 49,500 liters of gasoline at the time of the incident. The vehicle was marked with the branding of Silza, a Mexican fuel logistics company. However, representatives for Silza publicly denied ownership of the tanker, stating that it was not part of the company’s fleet. The truck’s registration and insurance status are currently under review by authorities. Preliminary findings from the Mexico City Attorney General’s Office revealed that the tanker lacked valid insurance documentation for the transport of combustible materials.
30 vehicles destroyed in explosion aftermath
Investigators are examining whether regulatory non-compliance may have played a role in the incident. The office confirmed that a criminal investigation has been opened to determine the full circumstances surrounding the explosion. Security footage from nearby businesses showed the tanker tipping over while navigating a curve beneath the overpass, immediately followed by a massive fireball. Witnesses described hearing a loud blast that shook nearby buildings and seeing dense black smoke rising from the scene.
Federal and city officials have coordinated efforts to ensure medical care for the injured. Hospitals across Mexico City received patients suffering from varying degrees of burns and trauma, with some requiring intensive care. Burn units and trauma specialists have been mobilized to manage the influx of victims. Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada visited the site hours after the fire was extinguished and spoke with first responders and local residents.
Criminal investigation opened into the incident
She later addressed the public, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and pledging full support for those affected. Authorities also praised the coordinated response between emergency services and residents who assisted in rescue efforts. Transport and public safety agencies are conducting a broader review of hazardous material transit routes across the capital. The incident has raised renewed concerns about the enforcement of fuel transportation regulations and urban safety infrastructure in densely populated areas.
The explosion represents one of the most severe fuel-related incidents in Mexico City in recent years. As the investigation progresses, city and federal officials have reiterated their commitment to transparency and compliance with all legal and safety protocols. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released pending family notification. The Attorney General’s Office confirmed that autopsies are being conducted as part of the formal investigation process. – By Content Syndication Services.