Mexican pipeline blast during fuel raid kills at least 21

Emergency personnel arrive at the scene when a raptured fuel pipeline exploded. [Reuters]

At least 21 people were killed and 71 were injured on Friday when a pipeline ruptured by suspected fuel thieves exploded in central Mexico as dozens of people tried to fill up containers, state and federal authorities said.

Mexican television footage showed flames leaping into the night sky in the municipality of Tlahuelilpan, in Hidalgo state north of Mexico City, as people screamed and cried for help.