Pipeline explodes in central Mexico, killing at least 20

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By BNO NEWS

A pipeline in central Mexico has exploded while hundreds of people were trying to fill containers with fuel, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 60 others, officials say. The death toll is expected to rise.

The accident happened at about 6:40 p.m. local time on Friday when an estimated 300 people were trying to take fuel from a leaking pipeline in Tlahuelilpan, a town in the central state of Hidalgo.

Footage from the scene showed multiple fires and a huge flame shooting into the sky. More than a dozen bodies, some of them burning, were visible in photos shared on social media.

Tlahuelilpan Mayor Juan Pedro Cruz said at least 20 people were killed in the explosion. Hidalgo Interior Secretary Simon Vargas added that 61 people were taken to hospital, but ambulances were still at the scene.

“Due to the emergency caused by the explosion of a pipeline in Tlahuelilpan, Hidalgo, the national emergency committee was immediately activated to help those affected,” Security Minister Alfonso Durazo said.

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