At least 12 individuals have lost their lives following an explosion at a steel plant in the central Mexican state of Tlaxcala, according to government reports.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday around 3:00 AM local time (9:00 AM GMT) at the Aceros Simec facility, situated within an industrial complex.
Yuvencio Nieto, the civil protection chief for Tlaxcala, confirmed the fatalities and stated that one additional worker was injured and subsequently hospitalized.
The explosion was reportedly triggered when steel came into contact with water, though authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances leading to the incident.
Governor Lorena Cuéllar expressed her condolences regarding the tragedy and mentioned that she is coordinating logistical efforts on-site to assist with the aftermath.
Aceros Simec, which is publicly traded on the Mexican Stock Exchange, describes itself on its website as a leading manufacturer of steel rods, wires, and their derivatives across Mexico, the United States, Canada, and Brazil.
The explosion has raised concerns over workplace safety and emergency preparedness in the industrial sector, underscoring the need for comprehensive safety measures to protect workers in high-risk environments.