At least six people were killed and 90 injured in the explosion of a gas truck that created a “shock wave” in Mexico City on Wednesday, according to the city’s government.
The injured people were taken to hospitals in the city, many of them in serious AA state, Mexico City mayor Clara Bulgada said at a press conference. As of Wednesday morning, 10 people had been discharged from the hospital.
Images shared on social media showed people were shooting into the air as they screamed and ran through the scene in the Iztapalapa area. Another video showed a swirl of smoke from the truck swirl as paramedics tried to put out the fire.
Aftermath footage showed victims who suffered severe burns throughout their bodies and severe burns in burnt clothing.
The explosion caused a “shock wave” that damaged 32 vehicles, the Mexico City Prosecutor’s Office said late Wednesday.
Authorities say the explosion came after a vehicle carrying 49,500 liters of gas, known in Mexico, was overturned by a highway in the Puente de la Concordia region.
The prosecutor’s office said an investigation is ongoing “to establish accountability and ensure comprehensive care for the victims and their families.”
“Forensic experts work on the ground to gather initial evidence and determine the cause of the incident,” the prosecutor’s office said.
Other agencies will also be involved in trying to determine whether the company that owns the tanker was complying with regulations.
The driver’s condition is also under investigation.
Brugada said the fire had disappeared, but cooling efforts continued late Wednesday.
