At least five workers have lost their lives in separate explosions at two different tequila factories in Mexico, according to local authorities and reports.
The first explosion occurred at Casa Cuervo's La Rojeña Factory in Tequila, Jalisco state. The incident involved the rupture of two 219,000-liter (57,850 gallons) tequila vats and resulted in the death of five workers and injuries to two others.
Casa Cuervo is the world's largest producer of tequila, encompassing brands such as Jose Cuervo and Tequila 1800. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
The second explosion took place at Becle's Rojeña plant in Tequila, also in Jalisco state. Three other tanks collapsed following the blast, killing five people and injuring others.
Jalisco state is Mexico's largest producer of agave, the key ingredient in tequila. The town of Tequila is a popular tourist destination and a center for tequila production.
In recent years, there have been concerns about safety conditions at Mexican factories following several incidents involving explosions and fires. In 2019, an explosion at the Pemex refinery in Mexico City killed 63 people and injured hundreds more.
The tragedies come as National Tequila Day is celebrated in both Mexico and the United States on July 24.
