Death toll from Mexico pipeline fire rises to 134

MEXICO CITY – Mexican officials say the death toll from a Jan. 18 explosion at an illegally tapped pipeline has risen to 134.

The government of central Hidalgo state said Friday 66 of the 81 people injured in the fire have died at hospitals. Sixty-eight others died at the scene, but only 16 bodies have been identified. The others were charred beyond recognition.

The government also said nine people remain hospitalized, at least three of whom are in serious condition.

The explosion occurred in the town of Tlahuelilpan as residents collected gasoline leaking from the illegal tap.

Residents have filled in the irrigation ditch where the gasoline accumulated and now plan to build a memorial in the alfalfa field where the explosion occurred.