Pipeline explosion in Mexico leaves 66 dead and 76 injured

A pipeline explosion in central Mexico has left 66 people dead and 76 injured.

Omar Fayad, governor of the state of Hidalgo, expressed his condolences to the families of those killed and hurt in the blast in Tlahuelilpan.

Petróleos Mexicanos, the state company that operates the pipeline, initially said the tragedy was caused by people illegally tapping oil, but later explained that it was still investigating what had happened.

All residents near the pipeline have been evacuated while first responders work at the scene.

The fire has been extinguished but the bodies of victims are still being cleared away, officials said.

#Hidalgo : Pobladores de #Tlahuelilpan buscan a sus familiares tras #explosión https://t.co/Hux4EuSGe3 pic.twitter.com/b8TaX2ypha

— Diario de Coahuila (@DiarioCoahuila) January 19, 2019

Le expreso mis condolencias a las familias de los fallecidos. Brindaremos de manera coordinada y conjunta, @GobiernoMX y @gobiernohidalgo, todo el apoyo necesario a los heridos. Reconozco a los medios de comunicación y agradezco al Presidente por su respaldo. pic.twitter.com/VeoOagCRMo

— Omar Fayad (@omarfayad) January 19, 2019

Mexico’s president, Andres Manuel, said he went to the scene as soon as he heard about the catastrophe.

He wrote on Twitter: “I am very sorry about the serious situation in Tlahuelilpan after the explosion of a pipeline.”