By Anthony EspositoTLAHUELILPAN, Mexico (Reuters) - At least 66 people were killed after a pipeline ruptured by suspected fuel thieves exploded in central Mexico, authorities said on Saturday, as President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador defended the army despite its failure to clear the site before the blast. ASSOCIATED PRESS Soldiers guard the area by an oil pipeline explosion in Tlahuelilpan, Hidalgo state. ASSOCIATED PRESS Staff of Pemex, Petroleos Mexicanos, works the area of a oil pipeline explosion in Tlahuelilpan, Hidalgo state. Lopez Obrador has said his decision to shut down pipelines to combat crime has greatly reduced fuel theft. However, it sparked fears for the economy, as well as triggering fuel shortfalls in central Mexico, including Hidalgo.

Source: Huffington Post January 19, 2019 14:09 UTC