Death toll from Mexico pipeline explosion rises to 73

MEXICO CITY - At least 73 people have been killed in Friday's fuel pipeline explosion in Mexico's central state of Hidalgo, said governor Omar Fayad on Saturday evening.

He also reported that the number of people injured is now 74. Among them, 24 are being treated in hospitals in Hidalgo and 50 others are at hospitals in Mexico City, the States of Mexico, Queretaro and Guanajuato.

Previous report:

MEXICO CITY —The death toll from a pipeline explosion in central Mexico has risen to 66, the governor of the state of Hidalgo said on Saturday.

"The latest death toll ... is 66 dead, and 76 are being treated in hospital," Gov. Omar Fayad tweeted.

Omar Fayad, governor of Hidalgo, said the local government was coordinating rescue efforts and helping the injured was top priority.

He warned locals against fuel theft, noting that "besides being unlawful, it puts your life and that of the families at risk."

"What happened today in Tlahuelilpan should not be repeated," Fayad said.