MEXICO – Explosion and Fire at Pemex Refinery in Oaxaca Injures Six

A powerful explosion followed by a fire injured at least six people at a Pemex refinery in Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, on Monday night, May 11. Authorities said the incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. local time at the cooling tower of the Hydros II plant within the Ingeniero Antonio Dovali Jaime refinery.

According to Oaxaca Civil Protection Director Manuel Alberto Maza, the injured include three Pemex employees and three workers from a private company. Officials reported that the Pemex workers—two women and one man—suffered burn injuries during the incident.

Emergency crews responded quickly after the blast, with refinery firefighters reportedly bringing the fire under control within 20 minutes. Authorities reassured nearby communities that the situation posed no immediate threat to residential areas.

Videos circulating on social media captured the moment of the explosion, showing flames erupting from the refinery and thick smoke rising into the sky. The blast reportedly startled residents living near the facility.

The Oaxaca state government, led by Governor Salomón Jara, said Civil Protection and Risk Management teams were sent to inspect nearby homes for possible structural damage and offer safety guidance. Medical personnel and emergency responders were also deployed, while officials confirmed emergency response procedures had been activated to assist residents if needed.

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