MEXICO CITY, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- The oil pipeline explosion that killed at least 28 people in Mexico Sunday may have been caused by drug gangs tapping the line, authorities say.
Cartels are increasingly stealing crude and gas from pipelines, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Dozens of people were injured and 115 homes damaged in a series of blasts at a pumping station in San Martin Texmelucan, in Puebla state. Witnesses said the streets were "rivers of fire."
President Felipe Calderon visited the scene Sunday and met with residents.
The state oil company Pemex said a rapid drop in pressure on the 30-inch pipeline suggested a "clandestine tap." The Pemex chief said Sunday the section of pipeline that erupted had been tapped at least 60 times before.
Pemex loses millions of barrels annually to drug gangs, primarily the Zetas in the Gulf Coast oil region.
The stolen fuel is believed to be sold in the United States as cartels diversify their criminal enterprises, the Times reported.
