• Three people killed and at least 70 injured in a gas tanker explosion in Mexico City.
• The explosion occurred under a highway overpass in the Iztapalapa district.
• Investigations reveal the truck lacked updated insurance to transport gas.
• Among those injured are a baby and a two-year-old child.
• Mayor Clara Brugada described the incident as a "horrible accident."

A devastating gas tanker explosion in Mexico City on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injured at least 70 more. The explosion occurred under a highway overpass in the Iztapalapa district, leading to a scene where flames and smoke engulfed multiple vehicles, according to Al Jazeera and TRT Global.

Eyewitness accounts described the chaos as badly burned survivors staggered in tattered clothing, with many needing urgent medical assistance. Reports indicate that some victims suffered second and third-degree burns, with lists showing that individuals had up to 100% of their skin burned off, highlighting the severe nature of the injuries, according to Los Angeles Times and TRT Global.

The truck was transporting over 49,500 litres (13,000 gallons) of gas when it exploded after tipping over. Mayor Clara Brugada referred to the situation as an “emergency” and reported that 19 of the injured were in grave condition, including the driver of the truck and children as young as two years old. This incident prompted a thorough investigation by authorities to determine the exact cause, according to Al Jazeera and Los Angeles Times.

Moreover, it was revealed that the tanker, marked with the logo of the energy company Silza, lacked the necessary updated insurance to operate legally. A federal regulatory agency noted that this failure could have contributed to the incident, leading to heightened scrutiny regarding the compliance of hazardous materials transport in Mexico. The company, however, denied ownership of the vehicle involved, as stated by both TRT Global and Los Angeles Times.