Two people died, two were injured, and five others remain missing after a tank exploded at a tequila distillery in Tequila, a municipality in the western Mexican state of Jalisco. Local spokespeople from the Red Cross and the state Civil Protection and Fire Department confirmed the casualty figures on Tuesday, detailing the immediate aftermath of the blast and ongoing search efforts.
Initial reports indicate that two individuals lost their lives at the scene. Among the injured, one person was transported to a Guadalajara clinic in critical condition due to burns, while another was listed in stable condition after suffering burn injuries. The Red Cross of Jalisco stated the two patients were being treated for burns, as rescue teams continued to assess the full extent of injuries. The Civil Protection and Fire Department reported that five people were unaccounted for, with search operations underway as a preliminary step to determine their status.
Authorities later clarified that the victims were employees of the tequila company, though one account suggested they may have been visitors to the facility, drawn by its status as a well-known tequila producer and a popular tourist destination for both Mexicans and international visitors. The distinction between workers and visitors is important for understanding potential exposure and safety protocols that may apply to different groups on site.
The incident is said to have originated in a boiler, and reports indicate that one of the fermentation tanks, commonly referred to as alambiques, was propelled into the street, causing structural damage to a central hotel and sparking a large fire inside the production facility belonging to a well-known tequila brand. The blaze affected three containers with a total capacity of 219,000 liters and threatened nearby storage areas as authorities worked to contain the spread of flames.
Municipal and state firefighters, along with soldiers from the Mexican Army, evacuated workers from the plant and coordinated efforts to extinguish the fire. The mayor of Tequila issued a public safety advisory, urging residents to stay away from the area while emergency teams continued to search for vulnerable points and assess structural integrity. Forensic experts arrived at the scene to determine the cause of the explosion, with initial indications pointing to heat management issues. Four containers were confirmed burned, and authorities reported the fire was under control but ongoing efforts were needed to ensure all hotspots were addressed and the risk to nearby infrastructure was mitigated.
The incident occurred on the eve of a commemorative day for the tequila industry, as the community prepared to mark International Tequila Day on July 24. The event is intended to promote awareness of the tequila production process and to celebrate this emblematic Mexican beverage, which plays a significant role in local culture and tourism. As investigators continue their work and families seek information about missing loved ones, officials reminded residents and visitors to exercise caution while the site remains under analysis and cleanup operations proceed across the affected zone.