An oil refinery explosion in a Mexican city on the Texas border left more than two dozen workers dead and many more injured.
Mexico’s leading oil producer, nationally owned PEMEX, confirmed an explosion on Tuesday at its refinery plant just south of Reynosa, across the border from Hidalgo, Texas.
The blast killed 29 workers. An additional 46 workers were injured and were rushed to five hospitals throughout Reynosa. Three died from their injuries while 17 remain hospitalized.
Seven other workers remain missing. Officials said the total precise number is hard to decipher because there are many contracted workers and each of their companies is trying to keep up with their own tally.
U.S. firefighters from various Texas border cities near Reynosa were initially called for help but were then called back after learning the fire had been brought under control.
Officials at PEMEX said there was no foul play involved. Investigators are looking into a possible gas leak as the cause.
The heavily traveled —- yet dangerous due to the presence of drug cartels -— highway between Reynosa and Monterrey was shut down for several hours.
Family members of plant workers continue gathering outside the plant desperate to learn the fate of their loved ones.
