Mexico City Collapses After Gas Tanker Explosion Kills 3 People, Injures 57, Including 16 in Critical Condition

At least three people died, and 57 people were injured, 16 of them critically, after a gas tanker truck overturned and exploded on the Puente de la Concordia in Iztapalapa, a densely populated borough of Mexico City. Flames several feet high could be seen from the distance and collapsed the Mexican capital.

The explosion, which occurred shortly after 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday, September 11, unleashed a massive fireball and shockwave that damaged 18 vehicles and rattled buildings in the surrounding area. According to Mexican media, authorities say the tanker, carrying nearly 49,000 liters of liquefied gas, lost control before tipping over and igniting.

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada arrived at the scene along with senior officials, including Pablo Vázquez Camacho, head of the city's Security Secretariat, and Myriam Urzúa Venegas, secretary of Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection. Brugada confirmed that the number of injured had risen throughout the afternoon as rescue and triage operations continued.

"After the rollover, there was a series of explosions that generated a strong blast wave, resulting in 57 people injured and transported to various hospitals," Brugada said during a press briefing in Santa Marta, near the crash site.

Of the victims, 19 were listed in serious condition. Emergency services, including the Mexico City Fire Department, the State of Mexico Fire Department, the National Guard, the Navy, and local police, were deployed to control the fire and prevent further explosions.

Hospitals Receiving Patients

Authorities distributed the injured among several hospitals in Mexico City and neighboring municipalities. According to Brugada, 12 people were sent to the Juan Ramón de la Fuente Regional Hospital, nine to the Emiliano Zapata Extension Hospital, 15 to the Los Reyes La Paz Social Security Clinic, and another 15 to the ISSSTE Morelos Clinic. Additional patients were treated at the ISSSTE Zaragoza Hospital, the National Rehabilitation Institute, and Rubén Leñero Hospital.

Ambulances from the Red Cross and the Mexico City Health Secretariat assisted in transporting victims, while municipal civil protection units from Iztapalapa and nearby boroughs also joined the emergency response.

The explosion caused major traffic congestion along Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza and the Mexico–Puebla Highway, two of the capital's busiest thoroughfares. By early evening, officials said eastbound lanes toward Puebla had been reopened, but westbound lanes toward Mexico City remained closed due to cooling operations and cleanup.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area as firefighters continued pouring water and foam on the wreckage to reduce the risk of secondary explosions.

Residents and drivers shared images and videos of the blast on social media, showing flames shooting into the air and thick plumes of black smoke. Some described hearing a "thunderous boom" that shook windows miles away. Others said the blast sent shockwaves across nearby neighborhoods, scattering debris and igniting panic.

One witness told local media that cars waiting at a traffic light were engulfed in flames when the tanker exploded. "People were running everywhere. Some jumped out of their cars to escape," he said.

Government Response

Authorities promised a full investigation into the causes of the crash and explosion. Preliminary reports indicate that the tanker's rollover triggered the rupture of its gas container, but investigators are working to determine whether mechanical failure, speeding, or human error played a role.

Brugada praised first responders for their rapid actions, saying their work prevented an even greater tragedy. "We are coordinating all levels of government to guarantee attention to the victims and their families," she said.

The gas tanker incident is one of the most serious in recent years in Mexico City, recalling previous accidents involving hazardous materials on urban highways. Officials said long-term measures will be considered to improve safety on heavily traveled roads connecting the capital with surrounding states.

By nightfall, crews remained on site, continuing cooling and cleanup operations while police redirected traffic and secured the perimeter. For residents of Iztapalapa, the memory of the explosion is likely to linger long after the flames are extinguished.