Three dead, dozens hurt in explosion at Mexico gas plant

COATZACOALCOS, Mexico, April 20 (UPI) -- Three people were killed Wednesday in a massive explosion at a state-owned gas plant in Mexico, authorities said, and dozens more were injured.

The blast happened at a Pemex plant in the port city of Coatzacoalcos in the southeastern state of Veracruz about 3:30 p.m. local time Wednesday, the government said.

Thick smoke billowed into the air as hundreds nearby were evacuated and schools were closed, BBC News reported.

Pemex is Mexico's state-run gas supplier. The plant affected by the blast was reportedly managed by sister company Mexichem.

The explosion resulted in a fire that had come under control by Wednesday evening, officials said.

The cause of the blast wasn't immediately known. Other explosions in the past at other Pemex plants have also resulted in worker deaths.

Officials said exports would not be affected by the explosion and fire.