A tragic incident occurred at a steel plant in central Mexico, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals and leaving one person injured, as reported by local officials. The fire broke out in Xaloztoc, which is located approximately 87 miles (140 kilometers) east of Mexico City, shortly after 3 a.m. on Wednesday.

Emergency services from the Civil Protection of Tlaxcala state confirmed the incident, stating that an explosion and subsequent fire were triggered when molten steel came into contact with water, according to preliminary reports from plant workers. The fire has since been contained, and authorities have initiated an investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

In response to the tragedy, Tlaxcala’s Governor Lorena Cuellar expressed her heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the loss and announced her intention to visit the site of the fire. The community is mourning the loss of life as details continue to emerge regarding the incident and the ongoing efforts to understand how it occurred.