World

Dozens injured in gas tanker explosion in Mexico City

By AAP Newswire

Sep 11, 2025

A burnt out truck after the tanker explosion — The tanker exploded on a major highway in Mexico City, with dozens of people suffering burns. -AP

A gas tanker truck has exploded along a Mexico City highway, sending flames and smoke billowing over the south of the capital and injuring at least 57 people.

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Mayor Clara Brugada called the explosion under a highway overpass an "emergency" that left 19 of those injured in grave condition and burnt out 18 vehicles. She said no one had yet died from their injuries, and the wounded were taken to hospitals across the city.

Brugada said prosecutors were investigating the incident, but it appeared the truck exploded after it tipped over on the highway.

Images circulated online by authorities showed a mass of flames coming from a truck, while other videos on social media show dozens of people screaming and running from the explosion. The videos show two men whose entire bodies appeared to have suffered burns, with tattered clothing melded onto skin, as emergency vehicles sped by.

Cesar Cravioto, the government secretary of Mexico City, said the fire was "completely under control."

The gas tanker laying on its side had the logo of the energy business Silza on its side.

Brugada arrived to the scene of the explosion shortly after to accompany emergency teams, including firefighters and medics. Fire fighters were pouring water on the flames billowing from the gas tanker.

The explosion occurred on one of the most important roadways flowing out of the country's capital on the way to the city of Puebla. The city's government said the roadway would be closed until further notice.