The number of people killed in an explosion at a Mexico gas pipeline in the central Mexican State of Hidalgo has risen to 66, Governor Omar Fayad, said on Saturday.
He said that at least 76 people were being treated at various hospitals, many of them with severe injuries.
The blast struck on Friday near Tlahuelilpan, about 85 kilometres north of Mexico City, and reportedly killed people who had gathered at the ruptured pipeline to collect leaking fuel.
Hundreds of people carrying buckets and canisters had been at the pipeline when the huge fireball erupted, according to local media.
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State Oil Company Pemex said the pipeline had been illegally tapped.
Authorities have not said what exactly sparked the explosion.
Fuel theft is a chronic problem in Mexico. Every 30 minutes last year an attempt was made to illegally tap into a fuel line, according to Pemex.
NAN
