Fuel pipeline explosion kills 21 in Mexico

21 people were killed and 71 other were injured after a fuel pipe line exploded in Central Mexican state of Hidalgo. Reportedly fuel thrives cracked the pipeline and were trying to fill up containers when the explosion occurred . A major crackdown on rampant fuel theft was launched by Mexican President Mexican President  Andres Manuel  Lopez Obrador on Saturday

Andres Manuel  expressed his grief and tweeted, "I'm very sorry for the serious situation in Tlahuelilpan due to a pipeline explosion. I'm in Aguascalientes and since the director of Pemex and the defense secretary briefed me, I gave instructions to contain the fire and treat the victims".

Lamento mucho la grave situación que se padece en Tlahuelilpan por la explosión de un ducto. Estoy en Aguascalientes y, desde que el director de Pemex y el secretario de Defensa me informaron, di instrucciones para que se controle el fuego y se atienda a las víctimas.

— Andrés Manuel (@lopezobrador_) January 19, 2019

Mexican Public Security Minister Alfonso Durazo also wrote on twitter, the explosion occurred before midnight. He also feared a rise in the death tolls.

El Presidente de la República, @lopezobrador_, ha llegado a Tlahuelilpan y encabeza en estos momentos las tareas que se llevan a cabo ante esta lamentable tragedia. pic.twitter.com/lLsbdvlPLU

— Alfonso Durazo (@AlfonsoDurazo) January 19, 2019

Key pipe lines have been shut by the government until they can be fully secured and has deployed the army to guard production facilities.

(Featured image : Evening Standard)