Authorities cleared debris after a gas tanker truck exploded on a highway north of Mexico City early on Tuesday (May 07), killing at least 20 people and injuring 36 others as a fireball tore through cars and homes.

Television footage showed burned out vehicles and debris strewn all over the highway on the edge of the capital.

Firemen and policemen were seen rescuing a domestic animal at the scene of the accident

A helicopter flew over the scene of the accident while paramedics continued treating those injured.

The Secretary General of the State of Mexico, Efren Rojas Davila, said the death toll had risen to 20 and that 10 minors were among the victims of explosion.

The accident occurred when the second trailer of the double gas tanker truck became detached.

In January, a massive blast at the headquarters of state oil giant Pemex in downtown Mexico City claimed dozens of lives.

Media reports said the gas tanker did not belong to Pemex. The state oil company said it would help the company involved in rescue efforts.

Presented by Adam Justice