Mexican Border Restaurant Explodes

Fox News Channel | 10 April 2004

[MegaSilver]

Paige Hopkins is reporting that a popular tourist restaurant in Mexico has exploded this morning. At least 8 people are dead; 70 trapped in the rubble.

Developing...

[ChadGore]

Re: tourist restaurant in Mexico

Where in Mexico ?

[Bogey78O]

I will not make the obvious joke in reverence for the dead.

[MegaSilver]

Where in Mexico ?

Near the border.

[JustPiper]

just heard it on FNC, any further details?

[KS Flyover]

Massive Explosion Levels Building in Mexico, 8 Dead

Saturday, April 10, 2004

MEXICO CITY — A violent explosion at a restaurant located about two blocks from a bridge to United States left eight people dead and several more injured on Saturday, police and rescue workers reported.

Emergency workers searched for victims that may have been trapped underneath rubble from the blast in Nuevo Progreso (search), Mexico, according to the Red Cross. The blast appeared to have been triggered by a gas leak, said Nuevo Progreso police radio dispatcher Santiago Ibanes (search).

The blast occurred around 8:30 Saturday morning at a tortilla factory. Officials say a large butane tank at the facility exploded, followed by a smaller tank that went off.

A total of three buildings were brought down following the explosion. 70 people are believed to be trapped in the rubble.

10 people have been transported to medical facilities in Mexico, 1 of those were taken to Knapp Medical Center (search) in Weslaco. No word on the conditions.

Crews are working to rescue people under the debris. One person has been transported to Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco. No word on their condition.

The city of Weslaco and Hidalgo County have dispatched their Emergency Management teams.

Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia is asking those who have cranes and backhoes to donate their services to help free some of those injured.

The county is also working on establishing a hotline where concerned family members can call in receive information.

The Progreso bridge has been closed to all traffic, as has Military Highway and FM 1015 leading towards Progreso.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,116758,00.html

[FairOpinion]

Explosion Levels Building in Mexico, 8 Dead

Saturday, April 10, 2004

MEXICO CITY — A violent explosion at a restaurant located about two blocks from a bridge to United States left eight people dead and several more injured on Saturday, police and rescue workers reported.



The city of Weslaco and Hidalgo County dispatched their Emergency Management teams and emergency workers searched for victims that may have been trapped underneath rubble from the blast in Nuevo Progreso (search), Mexico, according to the Red Cross. A total of three buildings were brought down following the explosion. 70 people are believed to be trapped in the rubble.

The blast, which occurred around 8:30 Saturday morning at a tortilla factory, appeared to have been triggered by a gas leak, said Nuevo Progreso police radio dispatcher Santiago Ibanes (search). Officials say a large butane tank at the facility exploded, followed by a smaller tank that went off.

10 people have been transported to medical facilities in Mexico, one of those was taken to Knapp Medical Center (search) in Weslaco. Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia is asking those who have cranes and backhoes to donate their services to help free some of those injured. The county is also working on establishing a hotline where concerned family members can call in receive information.

The Progreso bridge has been closed to all traffic, as has Military Highway and FM 1015 leading towards Progreso.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,116758,00.html

[centexan]

Nuevo Progresso - I have a friend that owns a restaurant there. It is just across the international bridge in the Rio Grande valley.

[BurbankKarl]

does it involve a blue flame?

[FairOpinion]

The International Bridge
Progreso, Texas & Nuevo Progreso, Mexico

About The Bridge

In 1928, by an Act of The United States Congress, The B&P Bridge Company was granted a permit to operate an international bridge across the Rio Grande River at a location at or near Weslaco, Texas. Upon receiving permission from Mexico, a suspension bridge was constructed connecting Rio Rico, Mexico and the United States. This bridge was located approximately two miles downstream from today's Progreso - Nuevo Progreso Bridge.

That bridge was destroyed by a Disastrous flood in 1941. With the scarcity of building materials during WWII, a hand-pulled ferry was in operation until 1946,


when a pontoon bridge was constructed at the Rio Rico location. The pontoon bridge proved to be unsatisfactory and, in 1951, with Mexico's concurrence, construction of the present steel bridge was begun. The bridge was completed on July 22, 1952. The reasoning behind the move upstream was higher ground and a more appropriate bridge site.


http://www.texasmexicobridges.com/about_the_bridge.htm

[FairOpinion]

[Catspaw]

This is a very popular town for a number of Americans. When I heard the news, I told my hubby that I bet some of victims are Americans.

[DoughtyOne]

This is a human tragedy that is separate from any other issues I have with the Mexican populace or it's leadership.

I am very sorry to hear about this. My best wishes are extended to the families and friends of those lost.

[Feiny]

Any word on what caused it...a gas leak....terrorist attack....accident????

[Hank Rearden]

I will not make the obvious joke in reverence for the dead.

Want me to do it?