Pemex evacuates offices following earthquake in Mexico City

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Pemex evacuated its executive tower on Tuesday following a major earthquake in Mexico City, the state-owned oil company said.

The earthquake, which registered as a 7.1 magnitude based on US Geological Survey (USGS) data, had an epicentre approximately 23 miles (37 km) from Puebla.

Source: USGS

The Mexico Stock Exchange said it suspended trading following the earthquake.

Several buildings were damaged or destroyed, and there were several people dead as a result, local media reported. The death toll may climb as more information becomes available.

Communications with Mexico City are impaired at this time. High-rise buildings have been evacuated.

It is not clear whether petrochemical facilities and refineries were affected by the tremors.

Tuesday marks the 32nd anniversary of a large earthquake that devastated Mexico City in 1985.

Additional reporting by George Martin