Man killed while stealing fuel from Mexico pipeline

Moises Rodriguez got burnt in an explosion and subsequent fire in Sinaloa state when he was pilfering fuel from a Petroleos Mexicanos pipeline, they said. The tanker truck exploded, killing him and sending flames shooting into the air, police said, adding that the pipeline blast knocked out the power grid in a nearby town.

The fire was brought under control and the pipeline was temporarily shut down to avoid further damage. About 50 illegal taps have been found on pipelines in the state this year.

Theft of fuel from pipelines - known in Mexico as "milking" - is common. At least 30 people died in December when a pipeline exploded after it was tapped illegally in Puebla state.

Over 50 people were injured in the explosion, which destroyed 32 houses and damaged 83 others.