Investigations underway into Mexican sweets factory blast

(Vatican Radio) A sweet factory explosion in the Mexican City of Juarez has killed one person and injured more than 40.

An investigation is underway, but the exact cause of the blast is still unknown. The explosion at Dulces Blueberry in an industrial park, blew out the roof, a wall and the second floor of the building collapsed. Officials say eight of the injured who were caught in the epicenter of the blast are in critical condition.

The investigation is focusing on a boiler which was recently fitted in the factory. But workers had also been complaining of a buildup of acidic fumes inside the premises.

The factory, which employs 300 people, has suffered major structural damage. The company produces candies or sweets which are transported over the Border to nearby El Paso in Texas.
Cuidad Juarez is dotted with maquiladora plants where cheap labor assembles all manner of product parts.

As emergency services continue to sift through the rubble, local women cover their faces, which are etched with expressions of shock and disbelief, as they stand just behind the line of a flimsy pink plastic exclusion cordon. Paraxoxically it reads PELIGRO, which means “danger”.

Listen to James Blears’ report: