This Article is From Jan 25, 2019

Number Of Dead In Mexico Fuel Explosion Rises To 107

The disaster occurred as the government wages a huge effort to clamp down on fuel theft, which costs Mexico an estimated $3 billion in 2017.

Advertisement
World

Last Friday, the fuel-line in Hidalgo state was deliberately punctured. (File)

Mexico City, Mexico:

The death toll from a fiery pipeline explosion in central Mexico reached 107 Thursday, the government announced, with 40 people also injured in the blast last week.

Last Friday, the fuel-line in Hidalgo state was deliberately punctured, drawing hundreds of people looking to gather gasoline before it ignited.

The disaster occurred as the government wages a huge effort to clamp down on fuel theft, which costs Mexico an estimated $3 billion in 2017.

So-called "huachicol" -- as the stolen fuel is known in Mexico -- costs about half of market price. 

Mexico is regularly rocked by deadly explosions at illegal pipeline taps, a dangerous but lucrative business whose players include powerful drug cartels and corrupt Pemex insiders.



(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Advertisement
Advertisement