Current Situation and Casualty Count
According to the Mexico City Health Department, the death toll from the gas tanker explosion at Puente de la Concordia in Iztapalapa remains at 27, as of the 10:10 AM update on Sunday. Previously, at 10:00 PM on September 20th, the death count was reported as unchanged, along with 18 hospitalized individuals and 39 patients discharged following the incident. No additional fatalities were reported overnight on Sunday.
Hospitalized and Released Individuals
It’s important to note that injured individuals were transported to various hospitals. Some even walked to the nearest hospital, Hospital General de Zona 53, following the accident. A two-year-old girl was taken to a hospital in Texas.
What Happened at Puente de la Concordia?
On September 10th, a gas tanker carrying approximately 49,500 liters of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) overturned and exploded on Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza, near Puente de la Concordia in Iztapalapa.
Initial reports suggested the vehicle was traveling at excessive speed and lost control while entering a curve on the Mexico-Puebla highway. This caused it to collide with exterior and interior containment walls, resulting in the rollover. One of these impacts created a 40 cm tear in the tank, allowing gas to leak before igniting.
Despite the dispersing gas cloud, drivers and pedestrians continued through the area. Once ignited, the gas cloud expanded approximately 180 meters, causing immediate fatalities.
Ongoing Investigations
Besides excessive speed, potential safety measure violations in transporting hazardous materials were mentioned. Authorities initially blamed road conditions for vehicle destabilization, which the Mexico City government denied. However, a new video emerged showing the gas tanker traveling at normal speed, contradicting authorities’ claims.
Investigations have been opened for culpable homicide, culpable injury, and property damage. Additionally, a Solidarity Committee was established to coordinate support for the victims.
Key Questions and Answers
- What happened at Puente de la Concordia? A gas tanker carrying 49,500 liters of LPG overturned and exploded on Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza, causing fatalities and injuries.
- How many people were affected? As of the latest update, 27 fatalities and 18 hospitalized individuals have been reported. 39 patients have been discharged.
- What are the ongoing investigations about? Investigations focus on potential safety measure violations in transporting hazardous materials, excessive speed, and contradictory evidence from a new video.
- What support is available for the victims? A Solidarity Committee has been established to coordinate aid and support for those affected by the tragedy.
