Mexico oil pipeline explosion leaves 27 dead

A massive oil pipeline explosion in a central Mexican town has left at least 27 people dead and more than 50 others injured, officials said Sunday, RTT News reported.

The incident happened in the town of San Martin Texmelucan on Sunday morning The pipeline hit by explosion belongs to state-owned energy giant Petroleos de Mexico (Pemex). The fire resulting from the explosion has since been extinguished.

Oil gushing from the pipeline reportedly turned streets into rivers of flames, incinerating people, cars, houses and trees within a radius of three miles. Twelve children were among those killed in the incident. The explosion and the resultant fire is reported to have destroyed 32 homes and damaged 83 others.

Dozens of town residents have been rushed to hospital with burns, with at least three of them reported to be in serious condition.

Officials said more than a dozen people have since been discharged from hospitals after receiving treatment for minor burns.

Authorities have blamed the explosion on thieves attempting to steal fuel from the pipeline. They say investigators have found a hole in the pipeline and equipment for extracting crude at the site of the explosion.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon arrived in the town later on Sunday to assess the damage and visit the injured. He offered his condolences to the families of the dead and pledged support to those injured and affected. He also promised to bring those responsible for the incident to justice.