MEXICO – Four LP Gas Tankers Explode in Tepeaca; Around 2,000 Residents Evacuated
A series of explosions involving four LP gas tanker trucks in the San Juan Negrete neighborhood of Tepeaca triggered a large-scale emergency response on Thursday 4 June. The incident caused damage to nearby homes and prompted the evacuation of approximately 2,000 residents, although authorities later reported no fatalities or injuries.
According to state Civil Protection coordinator Bernabé López Santos, the tankers were located within a warehouse facility used to store fuel. While he declined to comment on whether the site was operating legally, Puebla Governor Alejandro Armenta Mier stated that both federal and state prosecutors would investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
López Santos explained that emergency services received a report through the 911 system at 9:53 a.m. regarding an explosion at a property where tanker trucks were being stored. Following the blasts, a large column of smoke became visible from several areas across the municipality.
Officials indicated that the explosions occurred at a warehouse containing gas tanks, and a neighboring storage facility was also inspected because it reportedly housed similar equipment. Authorities said the relevant agencies would determine responsibility and investigate the operation of the facilities.
As a precaution, emergency officials evacuated residents and several public institutions located near the site. Among the evacuated facilities were the Tepeaca General Hospital, the October 2 Preparatory School, and the General Miguel Negrete Novoa School Center. Civil Protection personnel, supported by emergency responders from multiple levels of government and fire departments from Tecamachalco and Acatzingo, were deployed to contain the situation and assess potential risks.
A visit to the affected area confirmed that numerous nearby homes suffered property damage, particularly shattered windows and damaged doors. Residents described scenes of panic as the explosions unfolded.
Later in the day, Governor Armenta visited the neighborhood and announced that authorities would create a registry of damaged properties to facilitate assistance for affected families and support repair efforts.
The governor initially reported that three individuals had been injured and transported to medical facilities in Tecamachalco and Acajete. However, during his subsequent visit to the area, he revised the information and stated that authorities had no confirmed reports of injuries or deaths.
Emergency crews continued working for several hours to fully extinguish the fire and secure the site. Officials explained that once conditions were safe, Civil Protection specialists would be able to conduct a detailed inspection to determine the exact cause of the explosions.
Photo credit: Silvia Campos / El Sol de Puebla. All rights reserved.