Mexico: At Least 23 Killed In Gas Tanker Accident

[News_Editor]

<p>MEXICO CITY (BNO NEWS) -- At least 23 people were killed after a tanker carrying fuel crashed in central Mexico, officials said Tuesday.

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<p>The accident occurred at around 5:30 a.m. local time on the Mexico-Pachuca highway involving a tanker carrying fuel in San Pedro Xalostoc, a community near Ecatepec, which is located in the State of Mexico. The driver of the truck lost control when of the tanker's two gas tanks broke off, causing a strong explosion and a subsequent fire.

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<p>Mexico's Communication and Transport Ministry (SCT) confirmed the number of those killed, as the death toll increased to 23. In addition, 26 others were injured in the accident, including 13 who were reported in serious condition. However, some media outlets reported over 30 injured.

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<p>Among the injured was the tanker's driver who was identified as Omar Diaz Olivares. Preliminary reports indicate he was over speeding and authorities said he is hospitalized but under custody. Also, two of the injured were taken to Houston, Texas for medical treatment.

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<p>Government Secretary in the State of Mexico Efren Rojas said search operations for further bodies at the site of the accident has finished, adding that at least ten of the fatal victims were minors.

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<p>The explosion also damaged at least 45 nearby residential houses and 16 vehicles.

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