Explosion at Pemex's illegal tap in Teoloyucan left one injured and caused alarm

The fire started after an explosion in a Pemex pipeline in the Analco neighborhood

In the  early hours of March 14, a strong explosion shook the Analco neighborhood in Teoloyucan, State of Mexico, generating a huge column of smoke visible kilometers away.

The incident occurred at an illegal hydrocarbon tap, where illegal extraction was taking place in a Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) pipeline.

The blast  affected two vans loaded with stolen fuel, which intensified the fire and put the area's residents at risk.

Authorities implemented an emergency operation in the affected area

After the explosion, Civil Protection, Firefighters, and paramedics arrived at the site to control the fire and prevent a greater tragedy.

The National Guard and the Army secured the area to prevent new incidents. Meanwhile,  Pemex personnel began sealing the illegal tap.

The residents  were evacuated from nearby homes for fear of  a new explosion or the spread of the fire.

A man was seriously injured and taken to a hospital

Authorities confirmed that a man suffered severe burns on a large part of his body and was taken to the Zumpango Specialty Hospital.

So far, his identity has not been revealed, nor whether he is linked to the fuel theft activity.

Initial reports indicate that  more people were involved in the illegal extraction, but they managed to flee before the authorities arrived.

Fuel theft remains a serious problem in the State of Mexico

Illegal hydrocarbon extraction has become one of the main activities of organized crime in the region.

Municipalities like  Huehuetoca, Zumpango, and Teoloyucan have reported an increase in illegal taps, despite federal government operations.

Cartels have diversified their activities, and fuel theft has become a profitable business. Meanwhile,  Pemex continues to record million-dollar losses due to this practice.

Authorities promised to strengthen security in Pemex pipelines

The state government announced an increase in surveillance of Pemex pipelines in the State of Mexico, with more frequent operations by the National Guard and the Army.

Additionally, Pemex will implement new technologies for leak detection and irregular activity to reduce the number of illegal taps.

Meanwhile, the fuel theft problem remains latent, with criminal groups operating without a real stop by the authorities.