On the afternoon of September 10, 2025, a catastrophic explosion rocked the Puente de la Concordia in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, when a gas tanker truck overturned and ignited, unleashing a towering inferno that left three people dead and 70 injured, including 19 in critical condition with second- and third-degree burns.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:20 p.m., when the tanker—carrying 49,500 liters of liquefied petroleum gas (LP gas)—lost control and flipped near the border of Iztapalapa and Chalco. The overturned vehicle began leaking gas, which quickly ignited and triggered a series of explosions. Eyewitnesses described flames reaching 30 meters high, engulfing nearby vehicles and sending shockwaves felt kilometers away.
Emergency services responded swiftly. Firefighters, paramedics, and Civil Protection units battled the blaze for hours, eventually extinguishing the fire and securing the area. 28 vehicles, including cargo trucks, private cars, and a motor scooter, were destroyed in the blast. Victims were transported to Hospital José María Morelos y Pavón and General Hospital No. 53, with some airlifted due to the severity of their injuries.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada and Civil Protection head Laura Velázquez visited the site, urging residents to stay clear of the area while investigations continue. The driver of the tanker, who survived but remains in critical condition, is under scrutiny as authorities pursue a full forensic analysis to determine the cause of the accident.
This tragedy has reignited concerns over hazardous material transport through densely populated urban zones. As the city mourns, officials face mounting pressure to review safety protocols and infrastructure resilience to prevent future disasters of this magnitude.
Source: El Universal
