The expanded trench was said to be contiguous with the city sewer system, and the open holes thought to be at least six meters deep and three meters across. Conflicting reports continue to be received from the area, as to the cause of the explosions, which is thought to have leveled more than 20 blocks of buildings. According to eyewitnesses, a firefighter was seen removing manhole covers to allow the gas to dissipate earlier in the day on Wednesday. Reportedly, nothing else was done regarding the complaints.
Hexane can be toxic by inhalation, ingestion, or absorption through the skin.
It is NOT soluble in water. That is the temperature at which it will ignite with contact with any spark or open flame. At least one Chicago emergency analyst said that eyewitness statements pointed to the likelihood that the substance involved was Hexane rather than gasoline, due to the signs, symptoms, and characteristics described by witnesses. He pointed out, however, that Pemex has a history of involvement in past explosions in Mexico and that they were found at fault in a 1984 explosion in Ixhuatepec, MX that killed more than 500 people. A massive rescue effort was begun the Mexican Government.