Explosion at Steel Plant in Tlaxcala, Mexico

Tlaxcala, Mexico (Reuters) – An explosion at a steel plant in Mexico's central Tlaxcala state owned by Simec killed at least 12 people, according to state authorities on Wednesday.

The blast was likely caused after smelting apparatus collapsed, as stated by the state civil protection office in a social media post.

Those killed were workers at the plant, the state prosecutor's office informed Reuters. One person is hospitalized in critical condition, the office added.

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the incident. It is known that molten steel can cause explosions when it comes into contact with water.

Simec did not immediately respond to a request for comment.