Pemex Pipeline on Fire After Explosion in Central Mexico, Two Reportedly Dead

Mexico has been experiencing fuel shortages as a result of the government's crackdown on huachicoleros - criminals who specialise in illegally tapping pipelines to steal fuel. As part of these policies, Mexican state oil company Pemex has shut down several large oil pipelines.

A Pemex hydrocarbon pipeline exploded in Celaya, a city to the northwest of Mexico City, on Monday; at least two people died as a result of the blast, according to local media reports.

The reasons behind the incident remain unknown, and an investigation is underway.

#LoÚltimo
Explosión en ductos de hidrocarburo de Pemex en la zona sur de Celaya, Guanajuato. Autoridades locales informan que en el lugar ya están trabajando Bomberos y Protección Civil. pic.twitter.com/0f5meENoH2

— Ruido en la Red (@RuidoEnLaRed) 1 июля 2019 г.

According to the officials, the site where the blast took place is unpopulated. 

The explosion occurred at 9:30 am local time. 

Explota ducto de #Pemex en Celaya, Guanajuato; de manera extraoficial se habla de cuando menos dos personas heridas y dos muertas. (📸@marychuyglez)
pic.twitter.com/uvPFQQb9uJ

— LupitaJuarez (@LupitaJuarezH) 1 июля 2019 г.

A civil defence unit and a fire brigade have arrived at the scene of the blast.

The oil pipeline explosion follows another blast which was reported last month that affected a Pemex pipeline in the state of Chiapas, Mexico.