Victims and Current Status
Alicia Matías, a 49-year-old woman, passed away on Friday night at the Magdalena de las Salinas Hospital. With her death, the total number of fatalities from the gas tanker explosion that occurred on Wednesday at the Puente de la Concordia, the border between Iztapalapa and the State of Mexico, has reached 11.
Over the past two days, authorities have provided updates on the situation: initially reporting 70 injured and 3 deaths; later, they reported 94 affected individuals and 8 fatalities. By Friday afternoon, the death toll was reported as 10, but it was later confirmed to be 11.
Company and Driver
The company involved in the accident is Transportadora Silza, S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of Grupo Tomza.
Despite the Agencia de Seguridad, Energía y Ambiente (ASEA) stating that the company lacked a civil responsibility insurance for transport permits, Transportadora Silza issued a statement confirming that their insurance was up-to-date. The ASEA, which regulates such companies, also mentioned that they were investigating potential administrative violations by Transportadora Silza.
Preliminary reports from the Jefatura de Gobierno indicated that there was no evidence suggesting Transportadora Silza was a supplier to the City Government, though a verification with the Secretaría de Finanzas would be conducted. The driver of the gas tanker, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, has been identified and is hospitalized in grave condition under custody. The driver’s legal situation will be determined once their health improves.
Causes of the Accident: Lines of Investigation
The Fiscalía General de Justicia de la Ciudad de México is conducting peritajes in criminalistics, chemistry, fires and explosions, terrestrial traffic, industrial safety, mechanics, video, and photography.
One of the central lines of investigation is the possible excessive speed of the gas tanker, a hypothesis considered probable by preliminary forensic reports. However, initial findings suggest that the gas tank suffered a rupture in its casing after colliding with a solid object, leading to the leak and ignition. No potholes or damages were found in the asphalt at the accident site.
The investigation also identified traces of aromatic compounds like benzene and styrene. The penal investigation covers homicide, reckless injury, and property damage due to affected vehicles.
Measures and Regulations in Progress
During post-accident morning briefings by President Claudia Sheinbaum, she announced that the Secretaría de Energía and SICT would strengthen regulations for the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LP), particularly in federal permit and plate-holding units.
At the local level, the City Government stated that they would develop a specific traffic protocol for vehicles carrying hazardous materials and substances, in collaboration with ASEA. The Secretaría de Gestión Integral de Riesgos y Protección Civil would oversee this work.
It’s worth noting that the Reglamento de Tránsito (article 27) already mandates these units to adhere to authorized routes, schedules, and itineraries. In this case, the Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana of CDMX (SSC) mentioned that the gas tanker was traveling on a primary route due to the lack of alternatives for entering the State of Mexico from Texcoco-Lechería, with speed needing to conform to the road limit and technical norms related to weight and dimensions.
Victims, Attention, and Support
The capital government announced initial emergency support for families to cover immediate expenses while a census is conducted to identify the most vulnerable cases, especially households where the injured or deceased person was the head of the family.
Medical attention, psychological support, funeral services when necessary, and legal advice as victims have been guaranteed. Support for damaged vehicles without insurance has also been promised, with the company obligated to repair any damage.
For family inquiries, a direct contact via WhatsApp (55 71 95 20 71, with Belén Calderón) has been established. For vehicle-related tramites, the Fiscalía’s contact number is 55 53 45 50 00.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Alicia Matías? Alicia Matías was a 49-year-old woman who tragically lost her life due to the gas tanker explosion in Iztapalapa.
- What company is involved in the accident? Transportadora Silza, S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of Grupo Tomza, is the company involved in the accident.
- What are the current fatalities from the explosion? The death toll has reached 11 following the gas tanker explosion.
- What measures are being taken by authorities? Authorities are strengthening regulations for LP gas transport, developing a specific traffic protocol for hazardous materials vehicles, and providing support to victims’ families.
- What are the lines of investigation for the accident? Investigations focus on possible excessive speed, rupture of the gas tanker casing, and traces of hazardous compounds.
