MEXICO CITY — The death toll from a pipeline explosion last week in central Mexico has risen to 114, while 33 people remain hospitalized.
Mexican Health Minister Jorge Alcocer said Saturday that 46 of those injured in the blast have died in hospital. He said those remaining in hospital run a high risk of infection in their kidneys, cardiovascular and respiratory systems because they inhaled scalding air that burned their tracheas and bronchial tubes.
Three patients are being treated in Galveston, Texas.
READ MORE: Mexico pipeline explosion that killed 79 is an ‘example’ for fuel thieves, officials say
Hundreds of people were in the vicinity of an illegal pipeline tap that spewed gasoline in the town of Tlahuelilpan on Jan. 18 when the liquid caught fire and exploded into a fireball. Those closest to the flames were incinerated on the spot into clumps of bone and ash.
WATCH: Aerial video shows massive fire after pipeline explodes in Mexico’s Hidalgo state