An explosion at a steel plant in central Mexico has killed 12 people and left one injured, officials say.
Tlaxcala state Civil Protection said Wednesday's blast happened in Xaloztoc, about 140km east of Mexico City, at a Simec-owned steel plant.
Another person was injured but their condition was unknown.
"At the plant of the steel complex located in the city of Apizaco, Tlaxcala, a liquid steel spill occurred with the loss of human lives, temporarily paralysing operations," Simec said in a statement.
The company said it is investigating what caused the accident.
Based on preliminary information from workers, an explosion and fire occurred when molten steel came in contact with water, Civil Protection said in a statement. The fire was controlled and an investigation was ongoing.
Tlaxcala Governor Lorena Cuellar expressed her condolences to the victims' families and planned to travel to the site.
with Reuters