Mexico City is reeling from one of its most devastating road disasters in recent memory after a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker overturned and exploded on the Iztapalapa–Chalco highway, unleashing a fireball that consumed vehicles, destroyed property, and left dozens of people dead or injured.
The explosion, which occurred on September 10, 2025, turned an ordinary afternoon commute into a scene of panic and chaos. Eyewitnesses reported a thunderous blast, a wave of heat, and a rising column of black smoke that was visible from miles away. Within minutes, the tragedy went viral online, with videos of the firestorm spreading across social media and igniting widespread outrage and grief.
What Happened
Authorities confirmed that the tanker was carrying more than 13,000 gallons of LPG, an extremely flammable fuel used in homes and businesses throughout Mexico. While traveling the busy corridor on the eastern edge of the capital, the driver reportedly lost control. The vehicle overturned, rupturing its tank, and within moments, the leaked gas ignited.
Witnesses described a terrifying scene as flames engulfed nearby cars and motorcycles, leaving commuters scrambling for safety. Some people abandoned their vehicles on the spot and ran down the highway to escape the inferno. Others who were caught in traffic had no choice but to watch in horror as the tanker erupted.
Firefighters and emergency crews rushed to the site and battled the blaze for hours. Their priority was both to contain the fire and to prevent secondary explosions, as additional vehicles burned in the pileup. Roads in the area were shut down immediately, causing widespread traffic disruption but giving rescuers space to evacuate survivors.
Casualties and Damage
The human toll has been devastating. Early reports listed three fatalities, but updated counts indicate that at least 15 people have died and more than 70 others were injured, many of them suffering severe burns. Hospitals across the city reported an influx of patients, some in critical condition, requiring urgent surgery and specialized burn care.
Beyond the immediate loss of life, the property damage was severe. More than 30 vehicles were either destroyed or heavily damaged. The intense heat left twisted metal carcasses of cars strewn across the highway. Homes and businesses near the site also reported shattered windows and structural damage caused by the shockwave of the explosion.
