Mexico rules out foul play in Pemex HQ blast, cites gas buildup
Source: Reuters
Mexico rules out foul play in Pemex HQ blast, cites gas buildup
MEXICO CITY | Fri Aug 2, 2013 6:21pm EDT
(Reuters) - A massive explosion that killed nearly 40 people in late January at state oil company Pemex's Mexico City headquarters was caused by a gas buildup, Mexico's attorney general's office said on Friday, ruling out foul play.
A six-month investigation confirmed a preliminary conclusion that the January 31 explosion that collapsed several floors of the headquarters' B2 building, which contained archived documents, was caused by faulty building design that provided poor ventilation in the basement area.
Methane from the soil and other gases collecting in the basement of the building for years with no ventilation, in addition to fumes from industrial solvents stored there, were accidentally sparked by workers attempting repairs, the investigation found.
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http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/02/us-mexico-pemex-idUSBRE97118S20130802