The overturning of a tank truck with 50 thousand liters of LP gas resulted in an expansive wave that left a devastating balance.
He Mexico City Government The balance of the tragedy occurred in the Puente de la Concordia, in Iztapalapaafter the burst of a cistern that transported gas. So far they are reported 10 dead people54 continue to be hospitalized and 22 have already been discharged.
The Head of Government, Clara Brugadaexplained that the accident occurred on Wednesday at 2:20 p.m., when the vehicle with capacity to 49,500 liters of LP gas He overturned over the Zaragoza Road. The rollover caused a massive leak that triggered the explosion and a great magnitude that affected 18 vehicles and generated an expansive wave throughout the area.
The outbreak left 94 injured in totalof which more than half were transferred into condors helicopters of the SSC and ambulances towards 19 hospitals of the public and federal network.
The Attorney General of Justice (FGJCDMX) investigate the causes of the overturning, which could be related to a Mechanical failure, speeding or human error. In addition, the Security, Energy and Environment Agency (ASEA) Analyze whether the company that owns the unit complied with the required permits and security protocols.
Why did the cistern truck explode?
Industrial Safety Experts explain that the LP gashighly flammable, it is transported in pressure under pressure. In case of overturn, any damage to the tank valves can cause a leak that, on contact with a spark, detonates with enormous power.
In this case, the Pipe circulated almost at full capacity (50 thousand liters)which multiplied the force of the explosion. The specialists note that three factors could have mitigated the disaster: a better maintenance of the vehicle, the existence of automatic safety valves and an immediate response to disperse the gas.
However, the location of the accident – a saturated road and under a bridge – made it almost impossible to contain the leak before the outbreak.
Could the tragedy in Puente de la Concordia avoid?
Industrial Safety Specialists indicate three key points that could reduce or prevent disaster:
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Vehicle conditions and driving
The primary cause was the pipe overturn. Determining if it was due at speeding, mechanical failure or human carelessness will be central to the investigation. A more careful driving or strict maintenance of the tank and brakes could have avoided the initial accident.
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Safety and protocols valves
Pipas must have automatic closure valves to limit leaks in case of accident. If the system did not work or was not updated, the escape would have been larger than it had. Here the regulatory review comes into play: ASEA already investigates whether the company had all the current permits and insurance.
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Immediate emergency response
When there is gas leak, the first minutes are decisive. If the gas cloud is dispersed or control the valve, the explosion can be avoided. However, the location – a saturated road and under a bridge – made control almost impossible before the detonation.
Source: Ambito
