Mexico City gas tanker explosion leaves 8 dead and 86 injured

A gas tanker truck exploded under a Mexico City highway overpass on Wednesday in the borough of Iztapalapa, killing eight people and injuring 86. The truck carried more than 13,000 gallons of gasoline.

There are 22 people in critical condition and 19 have been released from the hospital, according to the Mexico City government. 

A video online, now removed from Facebook, shows people with their clothes burned off, trying to stand up and crying for help. 

Another video shows the explosion and flames engulfing the two-story highway in Puente de la Concordia at the crossroads of Ermita Iztapalapa Avenue. 

Reforma reported stories of people trying to protect themselves and others. 

Alicia Matías, 49, covered her granddaughter Azuleth to protect her from the explosion. Matías suffered 90% burns to her body, while her granddaughter is reported as stable. Sergio Ángel Soriano worked near Matías as a member of the Bank Police and ran to rescue her and her granddaughter. 

“I’m from Iztapalapa, I grew up there and it was hard seeing people I knew, my neighbors and I acted as instructed,” Soriano said. 

The gas truck belongs to Gas Silza, a company that belongs to Grupo Tomza. 

Mexico City Head of Government Clara Brugada said in a press conference yesterday that there will be emergency support for the 94 victims of the explosion, including financial aid, psychological assistance and judicial assistance for those who need it. 

Mexican authorities say the investigation indicates the preliminary cause of the explosion might have been speeding, but they will continue the investigation to confirm their results.