Pipeline fire in Mexico kills 26

At least 26 workers killed and 46 injured by gas pipeline fire in Mexico which took fire-fighters 90 minutes to extinguish.

The pipeline fire was caused by a leak and until the source is discovered, nearby houses and ranches will be evacuated as a precaution
The pipeline fire was caused by a leak and until the source is discovered, nearby houses and ranches will be evacuated as a precaution

Twenty-six maintenance workers were killed by a big fire which erupted at a natural gas pipeline distribution centre near Mexico’s border with the United States.

People in nearby ranches and homes were forced to be evacuated to prevent any risk of danger posed by the pipeline.

Ten deaths were initially reported at state-owned Petroleos Mexcicanos’ facility near the city of Reynosa, across from McAllen, Texas.

However, the number increased to 26 to include a man who was run over as he tried to escape the facility.

Four of those killed were Pemex employees and the company’s director-general Juan Jose Suarez said the remainder were employed by contractors.

Another 46 workers were injured with some still in critical condition.

It took fire-fighters 90 minutes to extinguish the fire and the pipeline had been shut off from carrying natural gases from the Burgos basin wells.