Thieves blamed for Mexican oil pipeline blast

An oil pipeline explosion in central Mexico has killed at least 28 people and injured more than 50 others. The huge blast sent a fireball through surrounding streets, forcing hundreds to flee their homes.

Thieves are being blamed for tampering with the pipeline as they tried to steal fuel.

The pipeline blew up before dawn in San Martin Texmelucan, a town in the state of Puebla about 75 kilometres east of Mexico City.

“At around 5.30 the police notified our headquarters that some houses were burning. We went out and it wasn’t just some houses, it was a river of flames. They were huge… it was terrible,” said chief firefighter Jose Luis Martinez.

It is thought the thieves may have been overwhelmed by the high pressure which caused fuel to burst out of the pipeline.

The fireball from the explosion destroyed cars, tore through houses and scorched the ground.

The pipeline was shut down and it took several hours to bring the flames under control.

Among the dead are 13 children. It is feared that more victims could be found.

Visiting the scene, President Felipe Calderon offered his condolences to the victims’ families.

The president has promised government help and has called for an investigation, vowing that those responsible will be brought to justice.

The state oil company says although it is not ruling out mechanical problems, fuel theft is rampant in Mexico and costs some 600 million euros in losses each year.

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