Deadly Gas Tanker Explosion in Mexico City Kills 4, Injures 90

A devastating gas tanker explosion in southeast Mexico City late Wednesday has left at least four people dead and more than 90 injured, according to local authorities.

The explosion occurred near the Iztapalapa–Chalco border when a tanker carrying approximately 50,000 liters of liquefied petroleum gas overturned and ignited on a busy highway. The blast engulfed at least 18 vehicles in flames and sent a massive fireball and thick plumes of smoke into the sky, drone footage showed.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada confirmed the casualties in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), noting that several victims remain in critical condition. Hospitals across the capital are still updating injury reports, she added.

Miriam Urzúa, head of the city’s Civil Protection agency, said many of the injured sustained second- and third-degree burns. Victims were rushed to various medical centers across the capital for emergency treatment.

Security Minister Pablo Vázquez revealed that surveillance footage captured terrifying scenes of people fleeing burning vehicles moments after the explosion. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, battling flames for hours before extinguishing the fire.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The Attorney General’s Office is leading the inquiry.

The tragedy has drawn comparisons to the 2019 pipeline explosion in Tlahuelilpan, Hidalgo, which killed 137 people. Iztapalapa, where the blast occurred, is the most densely populated district in Mexico City, home to nearly 1.8 million residents.