Local authorities in Mexico have reported a devastating incident at a tequila factory in the town of Tequila, Jalisco state, where at least five workers lost their lives in an explosion and subsequent fire. The factory in question belongs to Casa Cuervo, the world's largest producer of tequila, known for brands such as Jose Cuervo and Tequila 1800.
The tragedy unfolded when a tank car exploded, triggering fires in three additional tank cars, each capable of holding 219,000 liters. The cause of the fire remains unknown as investigations are ongoing, with approximately 40 firefighting and civil protection teams swiftly responding to the emergency.
Casa Cuervo has pledged full cooperation with authorities in their investigation and has announced plans to enhance security measures at its facilities. The mayor of Tequila, Alfonso Magallanes, issued a warning to residents to avoid the factory premises due to the ongoing situation.
Jalisco state, renowned as the largest agave producer, plays a crucial role in tequila production, accounting for nearly 75% of Mexico's annual agave crop. The town of Tequila, a popular tourist destination, attracts over a million visitors annually from both Mexico and abroad, as per data from the mayor's office.
Interestingly, Mexico recently passed a law shifting National Tequila Day from the third Saturday of March to July 24, aligning it with the US celebration date. The United States stands as the primary market for Mexican tequila exports, with import figures soaring from $1.1 billion to $4.9 billion between 2014 and 2019, adjusted for inflation, according to data from the US Department of Agriculture.
