Explosion in Mexico destroys at least 30 buildings, leaves 1 dead, 15 injured

Authorities are still searching for people under the collapsed buildings.

ByChristine Theodorou
October 31, 2021, 12:16 PM

A large explosion attributed to a gas leak in east-central Mexico's Puebla state has left at least one dead, 15 injured and damaged between 30 to 50 buildings, local government authorities are reporting.

Search and rescue crews are working to find people who could be trapped under collapsed buildings.

Around 1:34 a.m. local time, a gas leak was reported and around 2,000 people within 1 kilometer of the leak were evacuated, Puebla State Government officials said at a press conference Sunday.

PHOTO: Firefighters walk along a railroad at an area affected by the explosion of a gas leak caused by a pipeline theft, in the San Pablo Xochimehuacan neighborhood in Puebla, Mexico, October 31, 2021.
Firefighters walk along a railroad at an area affected by the explosion of a gas leak caused by a pipeline theft, in the San Pablo Xochimehuacan neighborhood in Puebla, Mexico, October 31, 2021.
Imelda Medina/Reuters

The first of three explosions happened at 2:50 a.m., which officials said may have been caused by an illegal tap.

PHOTO: A firefighter walks at an area affected by the explosion of a gas leak caused by a pipeline theft, in the San Pablo Xochimehuacan neighborhood in Puebla, Mexico October 31, 2021.
A firefighter walks at an area affected by the explosion of a gas leak caused by a pipeline theft, in the San Pablo Xochimehuacan neighborhood in Puebla, Mexico October 31, 2021.
Imelda Medina/Reuters

Of those hospitalized, four are minors and seven are adults. Five people are listed in serious condition, officials said.

PHOTO: Soldiers keep watch at the perimeter of an area affected by the explosion of a gas leak caused by a pipeline theft, in the San Pablo Xochimehuacan neighborhood in Puebla, Mexico, October 31, 2021.
Soldiers keep watch at the perimeter of an area affected by the explosion of a gas leak caused by a pipeline theft, in the San Pablo Xochimehuacan neighborhood in Puebla, Mexico, October 31, 2021.
Imelda Medina/Reuters

"It is regrettable that one person has lost his/her life so far, and fifteen more are injured, due to the explosion of a Pemex pipeline in Puebla," Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said in a statement Sunday. "Pemex has the fire under control and will ensure that families evicted from their homes remain safe."

PHOTO: Firefighters are silhouetted as they inspect the area affected by the explosion of a gas leak caused by a pipeline theft, in the San Pablo Xochimehuacan neighborhood in Puebla, Mexico, October 31, 2021.
Firefighters are silhouetted as they inspect the area affected by the explosion of a gas leak caused by a pipeline theft, in the San Pablo Xochimehuacan neighborhood in Puebla, Mexico, October 31, 2021.
Imelda Medina/Reuters

ABC News' Anne Lauren contributed to this report.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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