Ecatepec, State of Mexico — A powerful explosion in a glass factory in the State of Mexico has left one dead and at least 12 injured after the plant’s boiler failed.
One dead and at least 12 injured was the the result of a 10,000 liter boiler explosion at the Vitromex ceramic plant in Ecatepec, State of Mexico. The boiler, which was used to temper the glass, allegedly exploded due to excessive pressure.
The 4:00 p.m. explosion was powerful enough to completely destroy the plant, including collapsing the roof, breaking all windows and knocking down metal structures. Authorities report shock waves spread over a radius of 80 meters, damaging other nearby businesses. Emergency personnel were on hand to cordon off the area while firemen dealt with flames.
The director of Civil Protection Ecatepec, Victor Arriaga, confirmed the explosion in the Vitromex factory noting at least twelve people were injured. The deceased has been identified as 50-year-old Armando N., a plant worker who died of a head injury.
Arriaga says authorities are still working on the cause of the explosion. Vitromex said they will follow up on the workers who were injured as well as the family of the man killed.
Through a statement, the company expressed their solidarity with the family of the deceased worker and clarified that they will provide “total support in this difficult time.”
They added, “We are collaborating with the corresponding authorities to determine the causes of the accident.”
