Pipeline Explosions In Mexico

In what is believed to be an intentional attack by leftist guerrillas in Mexico, six explosions have destroyed natural gas pipelines in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz. Natural gas futures have spiked upward in New York as a result. A small leftist group claimed responsibility for a similar attack in July.

The six blasts, which occurred on at least four pipelines, happened about 2 a.m. in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz, the Mexican state oil monopoly Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, said in a statement. The company immediately shut down the lines affected as well as an extra line in the area as a precaution.

Flames from the fires could be seen up to six miles away, said Pedro Jimenez, a resident who was packing his family into a truck to leave. "You could see the fields of crops lit up."

Dozens of families lined roadways to evacuate to local shelters.

Pemex said domestic gas and gasoline service would not be affected.

At four sections of the pipelines, fires broke out, while at two others leaking gas prompted fears of explosions and forced civil protection authorities to evacuate several communities including Ciudad Cardel and Antigua, said state Civil Protection Deputy Director Ranulfo Marquez.

The explosions also prompted authorities to close two main highways.

"We still have a gas leak in the area of Ciudad Cardel," Marquez said. "There is still a risk."

The Mexican government said it had stepped up security on infrastructure following the July attack. It doesn't seem to have helped much, does it?

The Mexican government said it had stepped up security on infrastructure following the July attack. It doesn't seem to have helped much, does it?