Initial Medical Assistance and Support for Victims
The Head of Government, Clara Brugada, announced that initial emergency support has been provided to the families: 20,000 pesos for urgent hospitalization expenses and 50,000 pesos for fatal victim cases. She clarified that this is an initial support, and each family will continue to be assisted until a complete reparation of damage is ensured, going “beyond the policies” of the responsible company.
Health Status of Hospitalized Patients
The Regional General Hospital “Ignacio Zaragoza” of the ISSSTE reported that it has attended to 14 patients since the incident: nine have been discharged, three adults remain hospitalized (one in a critical condition with severe burns), and one minor is recovering favorably in the pediatric area.
In the rest of the hospital network, patients are being treated by multidisciplinary teams in areas of plastic surgery, intensive care, pulmonology, and ophthalmology due to burn injuries and respiratory system effects caused by the explosion.
Investigation: Excessive Speed and Responsibilities
The City’s Attorney General confirmed that initial investigations point to the tanker traveling at excessive speed. The rupture of the tank’s cover after the overturning and impact with the pavement is believed to have triggered the explosion.
The company, Transportadora Silza (a subsidiary of Grupo Tomza), has been notified and is under investigation. The ASEA is reviewing the company’s permits and operational conditions, and if any non-compliance is found, it will apply the corresponding sanctions.
Protocols and Prevention Measures
To prevent a similar tragedy, the Head of Government instructed the creation of a protocol for gas tanker and hazardous materials transport vehicle circulation in the capital.
This document is being developed in coordination with the Integral Risk Management and Civil Protection Secretariat and the ASEA, aiming to establish stricter routes and schedules along with reinforced safety criteria.
Simultaneously, the Secretariat of Energy and SICT are working on strengthening regulations for LP gas transportation at the federal level, particularly for units with federal permits and plates.
Solidarity and Interinstitutional Coordination
Brugada reiterated that the Capital Government will continue to support victims until damage is effectively repaired and justice is served. She acknowledged the work of doctors, nurses, paramedics, firefighters, and emergency services who immediately attended to the incident and successfully transferred the injured to 19 hospitals in record time.
Moreover, she highlighted the coordination with the State of Mexico Government, which has participated in providing support to victims’ families residing in that entity.
Key Questions and Answers
- What happened? An explosion occurred when a gas tanker was traveling at excessive speed in Iztapalapa, causing severe injuries and leaving 13 dead and 40 hospitalized.
- Who is responsible for the investigation? The City’s Attorney General, along with the ASEA, is investigating the incident and reviewing the company’s permits and operational conditions.
- What measures are being taken to prevent similar tragedies? The Head of Government has instructed the creation of a circulation protocol for gas tankers and hazardous materials transport vehicles in the capital, along with strengthening federal regulations for LP gas transportation.
- What support is being provided to the victims’ families? Initial emergency support has been given, including financial aid for hospitalization expenses and ongoing assistance to ensure complete reparation of damage.
