Fuel Theft Triggers Deadly Explosiion in Mexico

Mexican authorities now put the number killed in Friday night's fuel pipeline blast at 66, with more than 75 injured.  Among the injured were three women and a child of 12.

The explosion occurred after the line was ruptured by suspected fuel thieves in the town of Tlahuelilpan, in Hidalgo state.  Distraught relatives are still gathered at the field where the explosion took place.  Forensic experts continue to photograph the remains amid a backdrop of burned clothing and discarded fuel buckets.

According to reports, the explosion was triggered by fuel thieves after they drilled through the pipeline. Images before the explosion showed a large jet of liquid rising into the air.  Pemex, Mexico's state-owned petroleum company, confirmed in a statement that the fire was caused by illegal tapping.

Officials say scores of people had been scrambling to fill up containers and were engulfed in an inferno.  Dozens of charred bodies remain at the scene, which is cordoned off by security forces.  Public Security Minister Alfonso Durazo said the blaze had been extinguished shortly before midnight local time (06:00 GMT).

Some locals criticised security forces at the scene for not warning people more forcibly to get away from the leaking fuel.  Durazo told broadcaster Televisa: "At some point there were too many people there and the army and military personnel withdrew to avoid problems." That was shortly before the blast occurred.

Fuel theft, known locally as "huachicoleo" (or moonshining) is rampant in some Mexican communities.  The government has said the practice cost the country about $3bn last year.  President López Obrador, who took office in December, has launched a major crackdown. Thousands of marines have been deployed to guard pipelines and transport has been shut down altogether in places.  The policy has led to increased reliance on tanker deliveries and there have been widespread reports of fuel shortages and long lines at petrol stations.

After the blast, Mr Fayad issued a plea on Twitter to try to avoid further disasters.  "I urge the entire population not to be complicit in fuel theft," Mr Fayad posted (in Spanish). "Apart from being illegal, it puts your life and those of your families at risk. What happened today in Tlahuelilpan should not be repeated."  Talking to local media after the blast, President López Obrador vowed to press on with his anti-theft policy until it was eradicated.