Gas buildup caused Pemex explosion
- Details
- Published on Friday, 08 February 2013 11:22
- Written by Rachel Pells
A fatal explosion at the Mexico City headquarters of state oil monopoly Pemex has been confirmed as the result of gas accumulation in the basements of the building.
The blast, which took place last Thursday afternoon at the base of the 54-floor Pemex skyscraper, killed at least 37 people. Many workers escaped but were badly injured after being hit by falling materials as several floors of the building collapsed.
Search and rescue teams worked quickly to help casualties out of the wreckage and over 100 people were treated for their injuries in hospital.
At the time of the event, the exact cause of the explosion was unknown and both Pemex and independent oil analysts were quick to speculate that it had been “sabotage,” stating that there was no reason to believe otherwise. However, on Monday the government announced that the disaster happened as a result of a high volume of methane gas in the basement floors of the building. No traces of bomb explosives were found at the site.
In a message on Twitter, Pemex reported electrical problems early on Thursday, before confirming that an explosion had taken place. It is thought that a faulty spark set off the blast.
The fatal event occurred just four months after a similar disaster which took place at a gas plant near the northern city of Reynosa, killing 30 people. With the world’s press following this story, Pemex has been subject to much criticism, with officials seriously questioning the oil company’s management and safety measures.
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