Iztapalapa Gas Explosion Death Toll climbs to 26 with Death of Volunteer Driver
The death toll from the devastating gas pipe explosion in Iztapalapa, Mexico City, has risen to 26 with the passing of Erik Vicente, a driver who tragically returned to the scene to assist microbus passengers. Vicente, 28, died from injuries sustained in the September 10th incident, according to reports confirmed Tuesday, September 16th. His death underscores the ongoing human cost of the tragedy and highlights the selfless actions of individuals who rushed to help in the immediate aftermath.
The explosion, which occurred on September 10th, has already claimed the lives of 25 others, including Alicia Matías Teodoro, 49, who died September 12th after suffering burns to over 90% of her body while shielding her two-year-old granddaughter. The rising death toll and dozens of injuries have prompted a Senate minute of silence and raised questions about infrastructure safety and emergency response in the densely populated area. Authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage and provide support to affected families, while also investigating the cause of the explosion.
Those also confirmed dead include: Fernando Soto Munguía, 34; Norma Chévez Ortega, 50; Armando Antillón Chávez, 45; Daniela Barragán, 19; Misael Cano Rodríguez, 39; Irving Uriel Carrillo Reyes, 20; Carlos Iván Contreras Salinas, 29; Juan Carlos Bonilla Sánchez, 40; Oscar Rubén Uriel Cortez Cisneros, 57; Eduardo Noe García Morales; José Gabriel Hernández Mendez, 17; Juan Antonio Hernández Betancourt; Jorge Islas Flores; Carlos Sánchez Blas, 15; Jesús José Tovar García, 40; Eduardo romero Armas, 30; Oswaldo Gutiérrez Espinoza, 30; gilberto Arón, 47; Edgar Santiago Álvarez, 51; and Omar Alejandro García Escorsa, 28.
Health reports for the wounded remain anxiously awaited by families, as many continue to receive treatment for severe burns and other injuries.