4 Killed, 34 Injured in Attempt to Drain Gas From Crashed Tank in Mexico

The Tabasco state Ministry of Health reports that four people died and over 30 sustained burns of various degrees after attempting to drain gas from a tank that was damaged during a road accident in Mexico.

MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) – Four people died and over 30 sustained burns of various degrees after attempting to drain gas from a tank that was damaged during a road accident in Mexico, the Tabasco state Ministry of Health reports.

According to the authorities, the accident took place on a road between the Tabasco state capital Villahermosa and the city of Coatzacoalcos, located in the southern part of Mexico's Veracruz state, on Saturday. The overturned tank with 60,000 litres (15,850 gallons) of fuel attracted locals to the scene, who were trying to collect the spilling fuel.

Emergency services warned of the possibility of an explosion, but locals did not leave the site. Eventually, the gas caught on fire and the tank exploded.

Two people died on the scene. Another two, who were both minors, died at the hospital. Thirty four people with various degree burns remain at the hospital.

Tabasco state is located in Mexico's southeast. Despite the fact that it produces significant quantities of gasoline and natural gas, poverty remains a concern in the state.