An explosion at an ethane gas pipeline owned by the Mexican state oil company Mexican Petroleum (PEMEX) in Agua Dulce, Veracruz, injured 19 people. The injured, who suffered first and second degree burns on their bodies were taken to hospitals, local officials said. Firefighters and Mexican army personnel were sent to the scene, while 175 citizens living in the surrounding area were evacuated from their homes for safety.

The explosion occurred during the controlled burning of the gas remaining in the pipes after the valves were closed during the renovation after a leak in the pipeline, authorities said.