On September 10, 2025, during the devastating gas tanker explosion at the Puente de la Concordia in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, one woman’s act of bravery became a symbol of selfless love. Alicia Matías Teodoro, a 49-year-old grandmother and public transport checker, shielded her two-year-old granddaughter Azuleth from the inferno with her own body, suffering catastrophic injuries in the process.
As the tanker carrying 50,000 liters of LP gas erupted into flames, Alicia instinctively wrapped herself around Azuleth, absorbing the brunt of the fire and debris. Eyewitnesses captured harrowing images of Alicia walking through burning wreckage, her clothes scorched and hair gone, clutching her granddaughter. A police officer intervened, rushing Azuleth to a hospital on a motorcycle, while Alicia followed on foot, severely burned.
Both were initially treated at IMSS General Hospital No. 53, then transferred to specialized burn units. Alicia sustained burns over 98% of her body and remains in critical condition in intensive care at Hospital Magdalena de las Salinas. Her survival is uncertain, though her courage has sparked national admiration.
Azuleth suffered burns on 60% of her body, primarily on her face, arms, and legs. Thanks to rapid intervention, her condition is stable, though she faces a long recovery.
Alicia’s daughter, in an emotional plea, said: “She gave everything to save my baby. Please, do everything to save her.” Social media has flooded with tributes to Alicia, calling her a “heroine of Iztapalapa” and praying for her recovery.
In a moment of chaos and destruction, Alicia’s sacrifice illuminated the enduring power of love—and the quiet heroism found in everyday people.
Source: El Universal
