At least eight people have died and more than 90 others were injured following a catastrophic gas tanker explosion on a major highway in Mexico City’s Iztapalapa district on Wednesday, authorities confirmed.

A tanker carrying more than 13,000 gallons (49,500 litres) of liquefied petroleum gas overturned and exploded in Mexico City, producing a shock wave that damaged at least 32 nearby vehicles. Flames rose into the air and thick smoke covered the southern part of the capital.

Mayor Clara Brugada declared an emergency, reporting that eight people had died and 67 were hospitalised, 21 of them in critical condition. First responders and paramedics attended to victims with severe burns, some of whom had clothing fused to their skin. One woman suffered burns over 98% of her body after shielding her two-year-old granddaughter from the flames.

Local residents rushed to assist victims, while emergency crews used hoses and foam to control the fire. Social media footage captured the chaos as people fled the scene.

President Claudia Sheinbaum offered condolences and thanked emergency services, noting that the National Civil Protection Agency, the National Guard, and the Defence Ministry were assisting those affected.

The tanker bore the logo of energy company Gas Silza, part of Grupo Tomza, though a company representative initially denied it was their vehicle. Reports suggested the company lacked fully updated insurance for transporting liquefied gas, although it later stated three policies had been activated to cover the accident’s consequences.

Authorities reopened the highway linking Mexico City to Puebla by Wednesday evening and launched a full investigation to determine accountability. Forensic experts are working with local and federal authorities to establish the cause of the explosion.

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