An explosion at the José Cuervo tequila factory in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, killed six workers and injured two others. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. when a tank car exploded, sending the tank flying 656 feet into the air and igniting a massive fire.
The Jalisco Civil Defense reported that the explosion caused three containers, each holding approximately 58,000 gallons of tequila, to catch fire. Surveillance footage showed the tank being propelled into the air before crashing into an empty lot near the La Rojeña Factory. Fortunately, no tourists or locals near the factory were injured.
Casa Cuervo, which owns the distillery, emphasized its commitment to safety: “The safety and integrity of our collaborators, neighbors, and visitors are our priority. We will reinforce strict security protocols at all our facilities.”
Tequila Mayor Alfonso Magallanes confirmed to the media that the explosion occurred while workers were performing maintenance on the tank car. He noted that the explosion was powerful enough to send the tank flying, highlighting the intensity of the blast. Mayor Magallanes also mentioned that several distillery companies have temporarily suspended operations as a precaution.
The first five victims were found in various areas within the factory. The body of the sixth victim was discovered in a pit during debris removal. Firefighters extinguished the flames before reaching another container holding 52,800 gallons of tequila.
On Wednesday morning, a second explosion was reported in a storage area containing cardboard and other materials. Fortunately, no additional injuries were reported, and firefighters quickly contained the blaze.
Jalisco state is the largest producer of agave, the key ingredient in tequila, generating nearly 75% of the nation’s annual crop. The town of Tequila, which gives the liquor its name, is a major tourist destination, attracting over a million visitors annually. The impact of this incident on the local economy and tourism industry is yet to be determined.
The United States is the leading consumer and importer of tequila from Mexico. In 2023, the U.S. imported more than 321 million liters of tequila, significantly surpassing other countries, such as Spain, which imported approximately 8.3 million liters. This high demand is reflected in the economic value, with U.S. tequila imports increasing from $1.1 billion to $4.9 billion between 2014 and 2019, adjusted for inflation. California leads in consumption, and Jose Cuervo is the top-selling brand, with 4.81 million 9-liter cases sold in the U.S. in 2021.
Of note, the US and Mexico both celebrate National Tequila Day on July 24, the day after the big explosion.
In the wake of the explosion, local authorities and Casa Cuervo have pledged to take all necessary measures to prevent such tragedies. “It is important to emphasize that local authorities continue to monitor the situation and work together to guarantee the community’s safety and prevent future incidents,” stated the Jalisco Civil Defense.
