Deadly Explosion Rocks Jalisco Tequila Factory

An explosion and fire at a tequila factory in Jalisco, Mexico, caused the deaths of five workers and injured two others. The incident led to an evacuation, and investigation is underway to determine the cause. Two large vats of tequila ruptured, but the fire was controlled by nightfall.

An explosion and fire erupted inside a tequila factory Tuesday, killing at least five workers and injuring two others in Jalisco state, Mexican authorities confirmed.

The state Civil Protection agency announced on the social media platform X that five fatalities were confirmed, with two people injured, one in serious condition.

All casualties worked at the factory, and emergency services evacuated the area as a precaution, allowing residents to return home by late Tuesday.

Víctor Hugo Roldán, the state Civil Protection director, reported two of the factory's 219,000-litre tequila vats ruptured, with authorities ensuring no alcohol contaminated the municipal drainage network.

Experts are investigating the explosion's cause, with firefighters controlling the blaze by nightfall but continuing emergency operations at the site.

Tequila town, 600 kilometres northwest of Mexico City, is vital to the local economy, surrounded by agave plantations, and heavily reliant on tequila production and tourism.

(With inputs from agencies.)