"MEXICO CITY -- An explosion rocked the headquarters of Mexico's state-run oil monopoly Pemex, killing 25 people, injuring 101, and damaging three floors of Mexico's second tallest building before sending plumes of smoke into the Mexico City skyline."
"The blast ripped through the lower level of a building adjacent to the Pemex tower in central Mexico City at about 3:45 p.m. local time (4:45 p.m. ET) Thursday, forcing the evacuation of 3,500 employees, company officials said.
The cause of the blast has not been confirmed. Local media reported that machinery exploded in the basement of an administrative center next to the Pemex tower in Mexico City, which has more than 50 floors.
The Mexico City government sent rescue teams with search dogs to look for victims buried in the basement of a building known as B2. Government spokesman Eduardo Sánchez said rescue workers were trying to reach approximately 30 people still trapped inside the office complex. At least one person was pulled alive from the debris late Thursday, the Interior Ministry said."
David Agren and Michael Winter report for USA TODAY February 1, 2013.
SEE ALSO:
"Explosion Rocks Headquarters of Mexican Oil Giant Pemex" (Reuters)
"Pemex Blast Triggers Security Boost at Oil Plants" (Bloomberg)
"Pemex Headquarters Blast Leaves at Least 25 Dead in Mexico City" (AP)
