Deadly blast on pipeline puts new focus on plan to stop fuel theft
Explosion raises questions about Mexico programme to shut down illegal fuel distribution network that siphons off $3bn worth of fuel annually
Tlahuelilpan, Mexico — A blast at a fuel pipeline in Mexico that killed at least 79 people has put renewed attention on the government’s strategy to stop fuel theft, with some relatives saying fuel shortages stemming from the plan led people to risk their lives. Fuel thieves punctured the Tula-Tuxpan pipeline a few kilometres from one of Mexico’s main refineries on Friday. Up to 800 people flocked to fill plastic containers from the 7m fuel fountain that ensued, officials say. A couple of hours later, it exploded. Mexican health minister Jorge Alcocer said on Sunday the number of dead in the incident had risen to 79 people. Half a dozen people interviewed by Reuters on Saturday said their relatives went to the leaking duct in Tlahuelilpan district in Hidalgo state because they struggled to find fuel elsewhere and were desperate to fill up cars to get to work or run their farms. “A lot of innocent people came here, perhaps their cars didn’t have enough gasoline for tomorrow, and they...
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