MEXICO CITY (AP) – Mexican investigators are currently probing the cause of a catastrophic accident that occurred on a major highway in the capital. A tanker truck, carrying over 13,000 gallons (49,500 liters) of gasoline, exploded, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals and injuring approximately 70 more on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
The explosion not only killed but also left a harrowing scene, with numerous vehicles ignited and survivors suffering from severe burns. Eyewitnesses reported seeing badly burned victims staggering on the streets in tattered clothing, while first responders worked diligently at the scene. Many of those injured endured second and third-degree burns, with some sustaining injuries covering over 100% of their bodies. Among the victims were a baby and a two-year-old child.
This tragic incident has cast a spotlight on the thousands of trucks that traverse Mexico daily, transporting liquid propane—a vital resource for cooking and heating water in homes and businesses. A preliminary investigation into the accident has indicated that the tanker truck involved lacked the necessary updated insurance required for transporting gas, as stated by regulatory authorities.
The recent explosion is not an isolated event; over the last decade, both large and small gas tankers have been involved in deadly crashes throughout Mexico. Notably, a double tanker carrying liquid propane flipped on a highway in Nayarit in 2020, resulting in the loss of 13 lives as the fire spread to nearby vehicles. Similarly, in 2015, a leak from a smaller propane truck during a residential delivery in Mexico City led to a catastrophic explosion at a maternity hospital, claiming five lives and injuring dozens more.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada described the incident as a "horrible accident" during her visit to the explosion site. As emergency responders worked to mitigate the crisis, groups of neighbors also joined the effort, helping to pull burn victims from the flames to safety as emergency vehicles rushed to the scene.
The accident occurred on the highway linking Mexico City with Puebla, specifically in the densely populated borough of Iztapalapa. The gas tanker, which was found lying on its side, bore the logo of the energy company Silza. However, a company official, who requested anonymity, denied that the vehicle was theirs. The company has not yet provided further comments or clarifications regarding the incident.
Following the explosion, the federal agency responsible for overseeing industrial safety in the hydrocarbon sector released a statement confirming that Silza had not maintained the updated insurance documentation essential for transporting gas. Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the families affected by the tragedy through a post on X, thanking the emergency teams for their dedicated efforts during the crisis.
This incident underscores ongoing safety concerns related to the transport of hazardous materials in Mexico and raises questions about regulatory enforcement. It reinforces the need for stricter adherence to safety protocols to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.
