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Death toll from Mexico pipeline blast rises to 79

Earlier reports said 76 people died

© EPA-EFE/OASA

TASS, January 20. At least 79 people were killed as a result of a blast and fire at a pipeline in Mexico’s state of Hidalgo, the El Universal newspaper said on Sunday citing Health Minister Jorge Alcocer.

Earlier reports said 76 people died and 76 were injured.

According to El Universal, as many as 81 people sought medical assistance following the accident. Sixty-six people are still in hospital.

The explosion at the oil pipeline occurred late on Friday local time (Saturday morning Moscow time), presumably during an attempt to illegally tap the gas. Many people had been filling up containers when the blast occurred, followed by a massive fire.

Mexico’s National Emergencies Commission has begun its work in the country.

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