Number of dead in Mexico pipeline explosion rises to 79 - minister

Mexico's health minister said on Sunday that the number of people killed in a gasoline pipeline explosion has risen to 79.

Another 66 people remained hospitalized, Jorge Alcocer told a press conference. The blast occurred on Friday when up to 800 people flocked to collect gasoline at the Tula-Tuxpan pipeline that had been punctured by fuel thieves, officials said. (Reporting by Daina Beth Solomon Editing by Andrew Heavens)