An explosion caused by gas accumulation in a building in Mexico City's Coyoacán borough injured five people and led to the evacuation of around 2,500 on Friday, January 9. The incident happened around 9:00 a.m. at the corner of Paseo de los Cipreses and Paseos de los Naranjos. Authorities confirmed structural damage to the building and impacts on at least 30 nearby structures.
On the morning of Friday, January 9, 2026, a powerful explosion disrupted daily life in the Paseos de Taxqueña neighborhood, Coyoacán borough, Mexico City. The blast, recorded around 9:00 a.m. in an apartment building at the corner of Paseo de los Cipreses and Paseos de los Naranjos, was caused by a gas leak and accumulation, according to Myriam Urzúa, head of the Secretariat of Comprehensive Risk Management and Civil Protection (SGIRPC).
Cameras from the Command, Control, Computing, Communications, and Citizen Contact Center (C5) captured the exact moment: glass and debris flew from the third floor, exposing the facade and revealing visible structural damage to a supporting column, including slight buckling. Neighbors described the force as one that 'blew off the third floor,' with bricks and glass scattered on the street. Two men walking nearby ran upon hearing the boom, as residents emerged from their homes.
The SGIRPC reported five people injured and transported to hospitals alive, with no fatalities so far. As a precaution, about 2,500 people were evacuated from at least seven buildings, though estimates suggest 30 structures suffered collateral damage, mainly to windows and frames. Paseo de Taxqueña Avenue was cordoned off to aid emergency operations.
Members of the Heroic Fire Department, Civil Protection, and paramedics responded, assessing collapse risks. Urzúa noted coordination with the Secretariat of Works and Services and the Secretariat of Housing to assist those affected: food and water are provided to evacuees, and temporary relocations are being arranged for those unable to return to the main building until structural risks are ruled out.
Authorities recommended preventive measures, such as checking for leaks with soapy water on gas connections, using undamaged cylinders, and placing them in ventilated areas away from heat sources or sparks, to prevent similar incidents.
