More than 130 days after a gas well explosion and fire in Las Choapas, Veracruz, the emergency remains unresolved, leaving local communities grappling with ongoing health, economic, and environmental impacts.

The incident took place on March 5, when the Krem-1 gas well, operated by PEMEX, exploded during drilling operations. Since then, the gas leak has continued unabated, according to groups like the Mexican Alliance Against Fracking. These organizations warn that the damage to both residents and biodiversity worsens as time passes.

Locals report constant noise from the well, which disrupts sleep and causes headaches, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory problems. They also describe significant losses in agriculture, including crops, fruit trees, pastures, and the death of livestock—directly threatening their livelihoods.

PEMEX, however, maintains that it is working continuously to control the situation. In a recent statement, the company said monitoring shows pollutant levels remain within legal limits and that infrastructure work is ongoing to permanently seal the well.

This prolonged crisis has reignited debates around hydraulic fracturing, or fracking—a method that extracts oil and gas by injecting large volumes of water, sand, and chemicals at high pressure into rock formations. Environmental groups and studies highlight that fracking can increase water consumption, produce hazardous waste, and raise the risk of hydrocarbon leaks or methane emissions if not properly managed.

The Mexican Alliance Against Fracking argues that the Krem-1 case exposes the inherent risks of hydrocarbon extraction and criticizes environmental impact assessments for downplaying potential harm to communities.

Meanwhile, residents of Las Choapas continue to wait for a definitive solution to a crisis that has now lasted over four months, underscoring the urgent need for responsible energy policies that prioritize public health and environmental protection.