English हिन्दी
Connect with us

Latest world news

Mexico gasoline pipeline explosion kills 73 and dozens injured

Published

7 years ago

on

Mexico gasoline pipeline explosion kills 73 and dozens injured

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]An explosion and fire in central Mexico killed at least 73 people after hundreds swarmed to the site of an illegal fuel-line tap to gather gasoline amid a government crackdown on fuel theft, officials said.

Hidalgo state governor Omar Fayad announced that the toll had increased to 73 after the discovery of five additional bodies.

The blast – which Fayad said injured 74 people occurred near Tlahuelilpan, a town of 20,000 people about an hour’s drive north of Mexico City.

As soldiers guarded the devastated, still-smoking scene, forensic specialists in white suits worked among the blackened corpses many frozen in the unnatural positions in which they had fallen and grim eyed civilians stepped cautiously along in a desperate search for missing relatives.

The pungent smell of fuel hung in the air. Fragments of burnt clothing were strewn through the charred brush.

When the forensic workers began attempting to load corpses into vans to be transported to funeral homes, some 30 villagers tried to stop them. They demanded their relatives’ bodies, saying funeral homes were too expensive. The bodies were ultimately taken to a morgue, authorities said.

On Friday, when authorities heard that fuel traffickers had punctured the pipeline, an army unit of about 25 soldiers arrived and attempted to block off the area, Defense Secretary Luis Crescencio Sandoval told reporters.

But the soldiers were unable to contain the estimated 700 civilians including entire families who swarmed in to collect the spilled gasoline in jerrycans and buckets, witnesses said.

The armed soldiers had been moved away from the pipeline to avoid any risk of confrontation with the crowd when the blast occurred, some two hours after the pipeline was first breached, Sandoval said.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a leftist who took office only weeks ago, traveled to the scene early Saturday. He did not fault the soldiers, saying, “The attitude of the army was correct. It is not easy to impose order on a crowd.” He vowed to continue fighting the growing problem of fuel theft.

“I am deeply saddened by the suffering in Tlahuelilpan,” Lopez Obrador wrote on Twitter. He called on his “whole government” to extend assistance.

The US Secretary of Homeland Security, Kirstjen Nielsen, tweeted that her department “stands ready to assist the first responders and the Mexican government in any way possible.” Video taken in the aftermath showed screaming people fleeing the scene as an enormous fire lit up the night sky.

“I went just to see what was happening, and then the explosion happened. I rushed to help people,” Fernando Garcia, 47, told AFP. “I had to claw through pieces of people who had already been burned to bits.”

The tragedy comes during a highly publicized federal government war on fuel theft, a problem that cost Mexico an estimated $3 billion in 2017.

Acting attorney general Alejandro Gertz described the latest disaster as “intentional” because “someone caused that leak. And the fire was a consequence of the crime.” But he acknowledged that investigators would be hampered by the fact that “the people closest to the explosion died.”

Federal and state fire fighters and ambulances run by state oil company Pemex rushed to help victims with burns and take the injured to hospitals. Local medical facilities struggled to cope with the flood of arriving victims, said AFP correspondents at the scene.

The fire had been brought under control by around midnight Friday, the security ministry said. Pemex said it was also responding to another fire at a botched pipeline tap in the central state of Queretaro, though in that case there were no victims.

Mexico is regularly rocked by deadly explosions at illegal pipeline taps, a dangerous but lucrative business whose players include powerful drug cartels and corrupt Pemex insiders.

Fayad said that two hours after the pipeline was punctured, “we were informed that there had been an explosion” and the flames “were consuming everything around.” About 15 oil pipeline explosions and fires causing more than 50 fatalities each have occurred around the world since 1993.

Most were in Nigeria, where in 1998 more than 1,000 people died in such a blast. A fire after a pipeline rupture in Brazil killed more than 500 people in 1984. The tragedy comes as anti-corruption crusader Lopez Obrador presses implementation of a controversial fuel theft prevention plan.

The government has shut off major pipelines until they can be fully secured and deployed the army to guard Pemex production facilities. But the strategy to fight the problem led to severe gasoline and diesel shortages across much of the country, including Mexico City, forcing people to queue for hours  sometimes days to fill up their vehicles.

The president, who took office on December 1, has vowed to keep up the fight and asked Mexicans to be patient. At the scene, some locals blamed the shortages for the tragedy.

“A lot of people arrived with their jerrycans because of the gasoline shortages we’ve had,” said Martin Trejo, 55, who was searching for his son, one of those who had gone to collect the leaking fuel.

(Inputs from sources)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Latest world news

Trump approves nearly $9 billion weapons sales to Israel, UAE and other allies amid Iran tensions

The US has fast-tracked nearly $9 billion in weapons sales to Israel, UAE and other allies as tensions linked to the Iran conflict continue despite a fragile ceasefire.

Published

5 days ago

on

May 2, 2026

By

Donald Trump statement

The United States has approved nearly $9 billion worth of weapons sales to key Middle Eastern allies, including Israel and the United Arab Emirates, amid ongoing tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

The decision, cleared by the administration of Donald Trump, includes expedited military transfers to Israel, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. The approvals were granted under an emergency provision, allowing authorities to bypass the usual congressional review process.

Emergency clearance amid ongoing conflict

Officials said the move was necessary due to the evolving security situation in the region, particularly as the conflict involving Iran continues despite a fragile ceasefire. The war, which began earlier in 2026, has heightened instability across West Asia.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked emergency powers to fast-track the deals, citing urgent defence requirements for allied nations.

What the arms package includes

The approved package includes a mix of advanced defence systems and precision weapons:

  • Patriot missile defence replenishments worth over $4 billion for Qatar
  • Precision-guided weapon systems for multiple countries
  • Integrated battle command systems for Kuwait
  • Additional advanced weapons support for Israel and the UAE

The total value of these deals is estimated at over $8.6 billion, often rounded to nearly $9 billion.

Timing linked to iran war

The approval comes nearly nine weeks into the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, with tensions still high despite a ceasefire that has been in place for several weeks.

Analysts note that the move signals continued US military backing for its regional allies, particularly in strengthening air defence and precision strike capabilities during uncertain conditions.

Criticism and concerns

The decision to bypass congressional oversight has drawn criticism from some quarters, particularly over transparency and the broader implications of increasing arms supplies in a conflict-prone region.

Continue Reading

Latest world news

Trump and Putin hold over 90-minute call, discuss Iran war and Ukraine conflict

Trump and Putin held a 90-minute call focusing on Iran tensions and the Ukraine conflict, with warnings over escalation and talks of ceasefire.

Published

7 days ago

on

April 30, 2026

By

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation lasting more than 90 minutes, focusing on escalating tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

According to official statements, the discussion was described as “frank and businesslike,” with both leaders addressing key global security concerns. A major part of the conversation centred on the situation involving Iran and developments in the Persian Gulf.

Putin supported Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire related to Iran, suggesting that continued restraint could create space for negotiations and help stabilise the region. However, he also issued a strong warning, stating that renewed military action by the United States or Israel could lead to “extremely damaging consequences” not only for Iran but for the wider international community.

Ukraine conflict also discussed

The leaders also discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has continued for several years since Russia’s invasion in 2022. During the call, there were indications of potential efforts toward a temporary ceasefire, although no final agreement has been confirmed.

Reports suggest that the idea of a short-term pause in hostilities was explored, possibly linked to upcoming symbolic dates, but significant differences between the parties remain unresolved.

Focus on diplomacy amid global tensions

The call highlights ongoing diplomatic engagement between Washington and Moscow at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions involving both the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

While both sides acknowledged the importance of dialogue, the situation on the ground in both conflict zones remains complex, with no immediate resolution in sight.

Continue Reading

Latest world news

Trump rejects Iran peace plan as tensions rise, Tehran signals military readiness

Trump rejects Iran’s peace plan, keeping focus on nuclear concerns as Tehran signals readiness and tensions continue to rise.

Published

7 days ago

on

April 30, 2026

By

Donald Trump statement

U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected a proposal from Iran aimed at easing ongoing tensions, signaling a continued deadlock between the two countries.

The proposal reportedly included steps linked to easing restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. However, the United States declined the offer, maintaining that any agreement must address concerns related to Iran’s nuclear programme.

Washington has made it clear that resolving nuclear issues remains a priority and that partial measures without broader commitments will not be accepted.

Nuclear issue remains central

The U.S. position continues to focus on preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities. Officials believe that without a comprehensive agreement, temporary arrangements could delay a long-term resolution.

The rejection of the proposal indicates that negotiations remain stalled, with both sides holding firm on key demands.

Iran issues warning

Following the rejection, Iranian officials have issued strong statements, indicating readiness to respond if pressure from the U.S. continues.

Reports suggest that Iran has asserted its military preparedness, warning that any escalation could lead to serious consequences. The remarks reflect growing tensions as diplomatic efforts struggle to produce results.

Rising geopolitical tension

The situation remains volatile, with both countries engaged in a prolonged standoff. Measures such as restrictions on trade routes and strategic pressure points continue to impact the broader region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical factor in the conflict, given its importance for global energy supplies.

Outlook uncertain

With no immediate breakthrough in sight, tensions between the United States and Iran are expected to persist. The lack of agreement on key issues, particularly the nuclear programme, continues to hinder progress toward de-escalation.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com