Gas Tanker Explosion in Mexico City Kills Three, Injures 70
- Victor Nwoko
- Sep 11
- 2 min read
A gas tanker truck exploded under a Mexico City highway overpass Wednesday, killing three people and injuring 70 others in a fiery crash that consumed dozens of vehicles and sent massive plumes of smoke across the capital.
The tanker, carrying more than 13,000 gallons (49,500 liters) of gasoline, tipped over on a major roadway in southern Mexico City before erupting into flames. Officials said nearly 30 vehicles were incinerated in the blast.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada described the incident as a “horrible accident” and confirmed that 19 of the injured remain in critical condition, including the driver of the truck. Among the victims were a baby and a 2-year-old child.
Harrowing images from the scene showed people running from the fire, their clothes torn and their bodies covered in burns. Some victims were seen with severe facial injuries, while others had up to 100% of their skin burned. Neighbors rushed to help, pulling victims from the flames as emergency teams arrived.
The overturned tanker bore the logo of Silza, an energy company, but a company representative denied ownership of the vehicle. Later, Mexico’s environmental ministry revealed that Silza’s application for updated insurance paperwork to transport gasoline had been rejected, meaning the firm did not have the proper authorization at the time of the explosion.
President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences to the families of the victims and praised emergency personnel for their response. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze with hoses and foam, declaring the flames fully under control later in the evening.
The explosion occurred on a critical highway leading out of Mexico City toward Puebla, forcing hours-long closures. Authorities reopened the roadway by nightfall after clearing the wreckage.
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