An explosion and fire at a tequila factory in Mexico have resulted in the tragic deaths of five people. The incident occurred at a Casa Cuervo distillery located in the town of Tequila, Jalisco state. Casa Cuervo, known for its production of the Mexican spirit, encompasses renowned brands such as Jose Cuervo and Tequila 1800.
According to Jalisco’s civil protection agency, the explosion originated from a tank car. The fire subsequently spread to three additional tank cars, each with a capacity of 219,000 liters.
As of now, the cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities are actively investigating the incident. Approximately 40 firefighting and civil protection teams responded promptly to the emergency.
In an official statement, Casa Cuervo expressed its cooperation with authorities during the investigation and pledged to enhance security controls at its facilities.
The mayor of Tequila, Alfonso Magallanes, issued a warning on his Facebook page, urging residents to avoid approaching the factory due to the ongoing situation.
Jalisco state plays a crucial role in tequila production, being the largest producer of agave—the key ingredient in tequila. It contributes nearly 75% of the nation’s annual crop. The town of Tequila, which lends its name to the iconic liquor, serves as a significant tourism hub, attracting over one million visitors annually from Mexico and abroad.
Interestingly, Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies recently approved legislation to shift National Tequila Day from the third Saturday of March to July 24. This change aligns with the same date celebrated in the United States, Mexico’s northern neighbor and largest trading partner.
The US stands as the largest market for Mexican tequila exports. Between 2014 and 2019, tequila imports surged from $1.1 billion to $4.9 billion (adjusted for inflation), according to 2023 figures from the US Department of Agriculture.
