Overview of the Incident
The Mexico City Health Secretariat reported that the death toll from a gas tanker explosion at the Puente de la Concordia in Iztapalapa has risen to 20, following the tragic event on September 10th. Among those who lost their lives are 17 men and three women, ranging in age from 15 to 57 years old.
Victims and Hospitalized Individuals
One of the recently deceased individuals is Fernando Soto Munguía, the driver of the gas tanker carrying 49,000 liters of propane gas. He had been in critical condition since the accident and unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Currently, 31 individuals remain hospitalized across various medical facilities in Mexico City and the State of Mexico, including the General Hospital Rubén Leñero, the Traumatology Hospital “Victoriano de la Fuente Narváez,” and the ISSSTE General Ignacio Zaragoza Regional Hospital.
Accident Investigation
Bertha Alcalde Luján, the Mexico City Fiscal General, shared that preliminary investigations confirm the vehicle struck two containment walls twice before overturning.
“The driver lost control while navigating a curve connecting to the Mexico-Puebla highway, striking two containment walls. The hypothesis remains that the driver was traveling at excessive speed,” she explained.
Establishment of a Solidarity Committee
In response to this tragedy, Mexico City’s Head of Government, Clara Brugada, announced the formation of a Solidarity Committee to manage and distribute donations intended for the victims’ families.
The committee will include representatives from organizations such as the UN, UNAM, Cruz Roja, civil society groups, business leaders, and local authorities. Araceli Damián, the Secretary of Wellbeing and Social Equality, will represent the Mexico City government.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who were the victims? The 20 deceased individuals consist of 17 men and three women, with ages ranging from 15 to 57 years old.
- What is the current status of those injured? Thirty-one individuals remain hospitalized across various medical facilities in Mexico City and the State of Mexico.
- What caused the accident? Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver lost control while navigating a curve, striking two containment walls before overturning.
- What measures have been taken in response to the tragedy? A Solidarity Committee has been established by Mexico City’s Head of Government to manage and distribute donations for the victims’ families.
