MEXICO CITY — Families awaited updates Thursday outside hospitals after a catastrophic tanker explosion on a Mexico City highway, which resulted in at least eight fatalities and left around 90 individuals injured the prior day. The fiery incident engulfed over two dozen vehicles, presenting a harrowing scene of injured victims who staggered through the streets, their clothing charred as first responders rushed to assist them. Many of the injured are reportedly suffering from extensive burns.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada confirmed that the number of deceased had risen to eight, with 67 people currently hospitalized; 22 of these patients are in critical condition. Witness reports and footage revealed widespread chaos as flames and smoke soared into the air, reflecting the severity of the accident. The tanker truck was reportedly transporting more than 13,000 gallons of liquid propane, a crucial energy source for households and businesses across Mexico.
Regulatory officials have stated that a preliminary investigation revealed the truck lacked the necessary insurance to legally transport its hazardous cargo—a claim the trucking company, Silza, has disputed. In response to the disaster, President Claudia Sheinbaum instructed the energy secretary to establish new safety protocols for fuel transportation, though specifics on these measures were not disclosed.
While panic reigned at the hospitals, many community members rallied to provide support for those in need. Beatriz Aguilar, anxiously waiting for news about her 15-year-old son Adrián, shared her fear as she recalled his last voice message asking for help. Struggling to understand the situation, she remained at the hospital since Wednesday afternoon, her worry compounded by her son’s severe facial injuries.
Others in the community, like Pilar Domínguez, were also directly impacted by the explosion. Domínguez described the moment of the explosion, recalling the tremors and the ensuing chaos as she and her daughter witnessed a scene filled with desperate individuals fleeing in terror. Seeking to offer solace, she and her husband gathered funds to provide food and beverages for families gathered outside hospitals, reflecting the local spirit of unity during such tragic times.
At least a few of the injured suffered catastrophic burns, with some sustaining injuries covering over 100% of their bodies. Among them were very young children, including a baby and a two-year-old. Brugada referred to the event as a “horrible accident,” while Sheinbaum expressed condolences to the victims’ families and acknowledged the tireless efforts of emergency responders.
This latest incident occurs against a backdrop of prior accidents involving tanker trucks. Notably, a 2020 accident in Nayarit involved a double tanker that flipped, resulting in 13 fatalities due to an ensuing blaze. Another tragic event in 2015 saw a propane leak at a maternity hospital in Mexico City lead to an explosion, claiming five lives.
As the investigation continues, local and federal officials are under pressure to ensure stricter regulations for the transportation of hazardous materials. The public is watching closely, as calls for enhanced safety measures grow ever louder in the wake of this devastating mishap.