At Least 28 Reported Dead In Mexico Pipeline Blast

At least 28 people have been reported killed in an oil-pipeline explosion in central Mexico.

The blast hit the town of San Martin Texmelucan before dawn on December 19, destroying homes and vehicles and causing streams of flaming crude to spread through the city's streets.

Reports say as many as 13 of the 28 fatalities appear to be children.

Authorities said they are investigating whether the explosion was caused by thieves trying to siphon oil from a pipeline operated by the state-owned company Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex.

Officials say no suspects have been detained in connection with the incident.

compiled from agency reports