Mexico City: A deadly explosion at a tequila plant in central Mexico claimed the lives of five company workers and forced the evacuation of tourists from the area in the spirit’s hometown of Tequila, according to the head of the state’s emergency services on Tuesday.
Victor Hugo Roldan, the chief of emergency services and firefighters in Jalisco state, said the blast occurred in a 500,000-litre tank at the plant, and the resulting fire was put out by company personnel. The official said the fire was under control by nightfall, but emergency teams were still working at the scene.
At least two other tanks at the facility, operated by the world’s largest tequila maker Becle, also collapsed, and several other workers were injured in the explosion. The blast in one tank triggered a fire in three others, according to a statement from emergency services released later on Tuesday. The cause of the blast is yet to be determined.
