Mexico’s PEMEX explosion caused by gas build-up, poor ventilation

(Vatican Radio) A six month investigation into a blast which killed 37 people at the Headquarters of Mexico's national petroleum company PEMEX, says a combination of methane gas build up due to poor ventilation in the basement, plus solvents imprudently stored there combined to form a deadly volatile cocktail.

The investigation blamed faulty construction design in B2 building, at PEMEX headquarters in Mexico City. This caused a deadly build-up of methane gas from the soil, combined with a lack of ventilation. It'll probably never be known exactly what triggered the massive explosion which imploded various floor of the building. It could have been a light switch a faulty connection, or worker maintenance. the blast occurred during a busy shift change. Emergency Services dug through the rubble for days to try and find survivors. More than 100 people were also injured by the massive explosion.

In the coming week, The ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party PRI is presenting Legislation to Congress, with the aim of radically overhauling the energy sector and boosting the country's muddled and antiquated fiscal system. The aim is to raise appreciably more tax revenue.

Listen to James Blears’ report: