Current Situation and Updates from Mexico City Health Department
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. The number of hospitalized individuals is currently at 18, and 39 have been discharged since the incident. No additional fatalities were reported overnight Sunday.
Victims and Their Conditions
The injured were transported to various hospitals. Some, including pedestrians, 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 10, 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. The impact against exterior and interior containment walls caused the tanker to roll over, creating a 40 cm tear in the tank. This led to gas leakage that accumulated before igniting.
Despite the dispersing gas cloud, drivers and pedestrians continued through the area. Once ignited, the gas cloud expanded approximately 180 meters, resulting in immediate fatalities.
Ongoing Investigations
Besides excessive speed, possible security measure violations in the transportation of 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 official statements.
Investigations have been opened for culpable homicide, culpable injury, and property damage. A Solidarity Committee has also been 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, near Puente de la Concordia in Iztapalapa.
- How many people have died, and how are the injured? The death toll is currently 27, with 18 hospitalized and 39 discharged. Victims were transported to various hospitals, including a two-year-old girl taken to Texas.
- What are the possible causes of the accident? Initial reports suggested excessive speed and road conditions. However, a new video contradicts these claims, and investigations are ongoing for possible security measure violations in transporting hazardous materials.
- What support is available for the victims? A Solidarity Committee has been established to coordinate support for the victims.
