Gas Pipe Explosion Iztapalapa: 57 Injured
- An explosion at a facility handling *pipas* (tanker trucks) transporting gas in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, on September 8, 2023, caused a notable fire, impacting transportation and prompting emergency...
- Around 3:45 p.m. on September 8, 2023, a large explosion occurred at a gas transfer facility near the Concordia bridge in Iztapalapa, Mexico City.
- the cause of the explosion is currently under investigation.
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Explosion at Pipa gas facility in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Disrupts transportation
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An explosion at a facility handling *pipas* (tanker trucks) transporting gas in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, on September 8, 2023, caused a notable fire, impacting transportation and prompting emergency responses. service on the Mexico City Metro’s line A was temporarily suspended, and major roadways were closed.
Updated as of September 11, 2025, at 02:09:09 AM PDT
What Happened?
Around 3:45 p.m. on September 8, 2023, a large explosion occurred at a gas transfer facility near the Concordia bridge in Iztapalapa, Mexico City. The explosion involved approximately 28 vehicles in the immediate vicinity. The fire was brought under control approximately an hour and a half after the initial incident, around 5:15 p.m. local time.
Pipa explosion at the Concordia bridge in Iztapalapa. Photo EE:
the cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the specific type of gas involved or the origin of the ignition source.
Emergency Response and Impact on Services
Following the explosion, local authorities, including the head of capital government and Iztapalapa Mayor Aleida Alavez Ruiz, established a command post at the site to manage the emergency response. Emergency services focused on extinguishing the fire and providing assistance to anyone affected.
The incident caused significant disruptions to public transportation. line 2 of the Mexico City Metro, RTP buses, and *trolebús* services in the area were temporarily suspended. Service on Line A of the Metro, specifically at the Santa Marta station, was restored around 4:30 p.m. on September 8,2023,as confirmed by Adrián Rubalcava,Director of the Collective Transportation System,via his X (formerly Twitter) account. Adrian Rubalcava’s X Account
Traffic circulation was closed in both directions of the Mexico Puebla highway between Axis 6 and Ermita iztapalapa road from Las Torres Avenue. These closures remained in effect as of the evening of September 8, 2023, and commuters were advised to seek alternative routes.
Iztapalapa and the Pipa Gas Industry
Iztapalapa is a densely populated borough in Mexico City, and the presence of gas transfer facilities raises concerns about safety and potential risks to residents. *Pipa* trucks are commonly used to transport liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other fuels throughout Mexico City and surrounding areas.The industry is often criticized for lax safety standards and inadequate infrastructure.
This incident highlights the need for stricter regulations and oversight of the *pipa* gas industry in Mexico City, as well as improved emergency preparedness plans to mitigate the impact of future incidents.