Accident in Iztapalapa: Expert reports confirm loss of control and rule out road defects.
The accident in Iztapalapa on September 10 left more than 30 dead after a tanker truck carrying 49,000 liters of LP gas overturned. The Mexico City Attorney General's Office reported that the tragedy was not caused by a pothole, but rather by the driver's loss of control on the curve entering the Mexico–Puebla highway.
At a press conference, prosecutor Bertha Alcalde Luján presented the results of the expert reports and confirmed that the asphalt was in adequate condition, with no damage that could have caused a disaster of this magnitude.
Capital authorities presented the progress
According to the official, the tractor-trailer's GPS records confirmed that the speed on the curve ranged between 44 and 46 kilometers per hour, an acceptable range according to land traffic experts. The investigation determined that the initial impact occurred with the left front corner against the dividing barrier, causing it to roll over onto its side and subsequently leak gas.
The expert reports established that the safety valves were functioning properly and that the leak occurred through a crack caused by the tank's collision with the retaining wall. This allowed the gas to disperse rapidly and cause an explosion, which caused numerous fatalities.
The prosecutor maintained that the vehicle's physical condition was optimal and that the safety mechanisms were operational before the crash. A Mexico City video surveillance camera captured the exact moment of the accident, footage that was incorporated as evidence in the investigation.
Mexico City strengthens rules for hazardous substances
City Mayor Clara Brugada announced the implementation of new guidelines for the transportation of hazardous substances. The measures include stricter speed limits, specific routes, restricted operating hours, and constant monitoring of operating permits.
The goal, he explained, is to ensure greater safety for the population and reduce the risk of tragedies like the accident in Iztapalapa. These provisions seek to close regulatory gaps and strengthen prevention in a strategic sector for the Mexican capital.
The traffic specialists consulted indicated that the accident in Iztapalapa highlights the need to strengthen training protocols for drivers who transport hazardous substances. Handling vehicles with flammable cargo requires constant practice in simulators and strict medical monitoring, as human error can lead to massive consequences.
Meanwhile, residents of the La Concordia area told local media that the minutes following the impact were filled with great confusion. The rapid expansion of the gas caused entire families to abandon their homes, unsure of what was happening. Several people required psychological and social assistance, revealing an impact that goes beyond the material and permeates community life.
The new regulations announced by the Mexico City government also include periodic audits of transportation companies, with severe penalties for noncompliance. Civil organizations have requested that the results of these inspections be publicly published to ensure transparency and generate public trust. They seek to prevent a tragedy like the Iztapalapa accident from happening again in the Mexican capital.
In the Mexican Congress, legislators from different parties agreed that the Iztapalapa accident should serve as a turning point for reviewing national regulations on gas and fuel transportation. Some proposals include the creation of a public registry of authorized vehicles and the requirement to renew equipment every certain period.
Meanwhile, neighborhood organizations in Iztapalapa have requested the installation of early warning systems on the main access routes to the city. They argue that having leak sensors and clearer evacuation protocols could significantly reduce the impact of similar emergencies . The request was formally submitted to the authorities after the latest accident in Iztapalapa .
