The death toll from a gas truck explosion in Mexico City has risen to six after two of the dozens wounded died in hospital, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The truck overturned and exploded in the densely populated Iztapalapa district, leaving many people with severe burns. Civil protection official Myriam Urzúa said 10 of the original 90 hospitalised had been discharged, while 23 remained in critical condition, some with burns covering over 70 per cent of their bodies.
President Claudia Sheinbaum described the accident as “tragic” and insisted such disasters must not be allowed to recur.
Television and social media footage captured the moment of the blast, showing people fleeing as flames spread rapidly. Firefighters later brought the blaze under control, but not before 28 vehicles were damaged.
The truck had been transporting nearly 50,000 litres of gas when it overturned. Officials said preliminary checks revealed the trailer lacked a valid operating permit, and its owner had not submitted the required insurance documents.
Some victims were airlifted by helicopter as hundreds of paramedics and soldiers joined the emergency response.
Iztapalapa, one of Mexico City’s most densely populated districts with 1.8 million residents, bore the brunt of the destruction.
Mexico has a long history of deadly fuel-related disasters, including the 2019 Tlahuelilpan pipeline explosion that killed 137 people.