MEXICO CITY, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Six people died of suspected poisoning after a gas leak inside a public transport vehicle stranded by flooding in Tultitlan, in the central State of Mexico, local media reported Monday.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred Sunday night near the Cueyamil station of the Suburban Train, in an area hit by severe flooding, potholes and unpaved road sections, where traffic was restricted.
Three people were found dead inside the vehicle. Three others managed to get out and walk away but collapsed several meters later on the sidewalk, apparently after inhaling gas.
The victims, four men and two women, were taken to forensic services for the corresponding procedures.
The vehicle, a minibus popularly known in Mexico as a "combi," belonged to Route 30, which connects the area with Indios Verdes in northern Mexico City.
One preliminary line of investigation is that the gas-powered vehicle may have hit an obstacle while trying to cross a flooded section, damaging its tank and causing the leak.
Authorities are investigating the precise cause of the incident and possible responsibilities.
Heavy rains on Sunday caused flooding and traffic disruptions in several municipalities of the State of Mexico, including Tultitlan, Tlalnepantla, Cuautitlan and Ecatepec.
