Several dead as avalanche sets off gas blast

Pounding rain caused an avalanche that broke a Mexican gas line, setting off an explosion at a truck stop that killed several people and injured scores, according to local officials.

Early reports indicated that three to five people died and more than 60 were injured, said Jose Antonio Marquez, a spokesman for Veracruz state. A highway policeman had earlier said 15 died, but several Red Cross officials said the reports were unconfirmed.