17 Nov 2020 | 10:01 AM UTC
Tanker explosion along Tepic-Guadalajara highway in Nayarit state kills 14 November 16
Tanker explosion along the Tepic-Guadalajara highway in Nayarit state kills at least 14 on November 16; avoid the area amid emergency response operations
Event
On Monday, November 16, a tanker truck transporting LP gas along the Tepic-Guadalajara highway in Jala municipality in Nayarit state exploded and caused multiple fatalities. As of Tuesday, November 17, the Nayarit National Guard confirmed at least 14 people were killed in the explosion and subsequent fires. Initial reports stated that a gas pipe had exploded in the vicinity of the highway; however, preliminary investigations indicate that a trailer carrying gas lost control and overturned before exploding. At least three vehicles in the immediate vicinity were affected and set alight by the explosion, which occurred at around 11:00 (local time).
Nayarit authorities closed off the road on Monday to conduct clean-up operations and investigations. Emergency response teams were deployed and continued disruptions to transportation in the immediate area should be anticipated in the near term.
Advice
Those in the area are advised to monitor developments, anticipate transportation and business disruptions near the site of the explosion, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
