On the morning of Friday, March 14, the municipality of Teoloyucan, State of Mexico, was shaken by a strong explosion in a Pemex pipeline. According to local authorities, the incident was the result of an illegal tap on Avenida Lago del Barrio Analco, in this Mexiquense locality, near Tepotzotlán and Huehuetoca.
Despite the spectacular nature of the fire, no injuries were reported thanks to the prompt intervention of firefighters and local Civil Protection emergency services. They worked tirelessly for nearly two hours to control the intense flames and the thick smoke that could be seen from several kilometers away.
Civil Protection in the area issued a recommendation to the population, urging them to be cautious when discarding lit cigarette butts or broken glass, as the heat could spark fires due to the onset of the wildfire season, which is exacerbated by strong wind gusts and high temperatures.
In the affected perimeter, two completely burned trucks and hoses connected to the para-state pipeline were found, with no initial confirmation of potential bodies inside. The mayor of Teoloyucan, Luis Zenteno Sanatella, toured the area to assure residents that there was no longer any danger and urged them to remain calm.
Despite the shocking nature of the event, Civil Protection ruled out risks for the residents of Teoloyucan. The arrival of Pemex personnel is expected to take charge of the area and begin the necessary investigations into the causes of the explosion. In this region of the State of Mexico, reports of illegal taps on Pemex pipelines are common, leading to various serious incidents in localities in the north and northwest of the region.
The explosion this Friday adds to the fire that occurred a week earlier in Teoloyucan, where emergency services were also mobilized to control the flames. It is crucial to maintain vigilance and promote awareness of the risks associated with these illegal practices that endanger both communities and the natural environment.
