Missteps in Mexican pipeline blast trigger new scrutiny of fuel plan
National oil group Pemex failed to close petrol pipe when warned of leak about four hours before massive explosion
Mexico City — Mexico’s new government knew a pipeline was leaking, but did not act for hours before a blast killed at least 85 people, a cabinet minister said on Sunday. This has led to increased scrutiny of a push to stop fuel theft seen as the president’s first crackdown on crime. State oil firm Pemex did not close the petrol pipe when first notified by the military, about four hours before Friday’s blast, because it considered the leak minimal, security minister Alfonso Durazo told reporters. In the hours that followed, the leak grew and as many as 800 people brought plastic containers to the gushing duct, filling up with free fuel in what witnesses called an almost festive atmosphere. Relatives of some of the victims said fuel shortages stemming from President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s plan attracted people to the leak at the Tula-Tuxpan pipeline, a few miles from a major refinery. In December, Lopez Obrador sent soldiers to refineries to help fight organised crime and white...
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