Gas tanker explodes in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, 3 dead, dozens injured

A gas tanker exploded beneath a highway overpass in the densely populated Iztapalapa district of Mexico City on Wednesday afternoon, sending a column of black smoke across the capital, burning multiple vehicles and leaving at least three people dead and dozens injured, city officials said. Mayor Clara Brugada described the blast as an "emergency" and said prosecutors have opened an investigation into the cause.

Officials said the truck apparently tipped over on one of the main roadways linking Mexico City with the city of Puebla before igniting. Images and videos circulated online showed a tanker on its side engulfed in flames and passengers and bystanders fleeing as rescue crews arrived. Firefighters worked to douse the blaze, and Cesar Cravioto, Mexico City's government secretary, said the fire was "completely under control."

Casualty counts varied in the chaotic hours after the incident. Initial statements put the number of wounded at 57, while later updates from city officials and the mayor indicated between 67 and 70 injured. Brugada said 19 of the wounded were in grave condition and that many had received second and third degree burns. She later confirmed three deaths....