A POWERFUL earthquake has ripped through western and central Mexico, killing at least 23 people and injuring about 160 as dozens of homes and buildings collapsed.

At least 21 people have been killed by a powerful earthquake that rocked western and central Mexico.

At least 19 people were killed when a strong earthquake shook west-central Mexico sending panicked residents spilling into the streets of major cities and knocking out power to many areas, officials said today.