MEXICO – Three Killed in Explosion at Veracruz Salt Plant
An explosion and subsequent fire at a salt-processing facility in Jáltipan, Veracruz, on Monday has left at least three people dead, one person missing and three others injured. Authorities have yet to establish what caused the incident.
Early reports from some media outlets suggested that the fire had been triggered by an explosion involving a pipeline operated by Mexico’s state-owned oil company Pemex. However, the Veracruz state government later said the incident originated inside the plant, at a brine well containing diesel fuel. The facility is operated by PMV Minera and is not owned by Pemex. It is believed the explosion took place at approximately 4:45 p.m.
A large column of smoke could be seen from several miles away as the fire continued to burn. Local authorities reported that injured people were being taken to hospital for assessment.
The Veracruz government subsequently appealed for calm in a social media statement. At around 8:00 p.m., officials said the fire remained active, although the exact time it had started was still unclear. The state government, headed by Governor Rocío Nahle, said there were no residents in the immediate vicinity of the facility and that authorities did not consider there to be an immediate threat to surrounding communities.
Pemex also issued a statement confirming that the salt plant was not one of its facilities. The company said it was communicating with state authorities to follow developments and was prepared to provide assistance if required.
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