An explosion ripped through a petrochemical plant in Mexican state of Veracruz on the southern coast of the Gulf of Mexico, killing at least three people and injuring 136 others.
The blast, sending a toxin-filled cloud into the air, hit a facility owned by Mexico's state oil company Pemex in the port city of Coatzacoalcos.
Hundreds of people have been evacuated and schools closed. Footage showed a large fire and vast plumes of smoke, reports ABC news.
Veracruz Governor Javier Duarte said the blast was felt as far as six miles away, adding that more than 2,000 people were evacuated from the area as a precautionary measure.
The plant produces vinyl chloride, a hazardous industrial chemical, which is used to make PVC pipes and for other purposes.
The Veracruz State Health Department said in a statement that two patients were in grave condition after suffering burns to their air passages from toxic gases.
Others were being treated for injuries, including minor burns, contusions and broken bones.
The cause of the blast is unclear.
Several explosions have been reported at Pemex facilities in recent years.
