Las Choapas residents face health and economic crises after Krem-1 well fire

Residents of 29 communities in Las Choapas, Mexico, continue to suffer the consequences of the Krem-1 exploratory well fire, which burned for 150 days starting in March 2026. The incident, caused by a hydrocarbon leak, has resulted in significant environmental and economic damage, including the loss of crops, livestock, and fish due to heat and ash fall.

Local inhabitants report various health issues, such as headaches, vomiting, fever, and respiratory problems, attributed to prolonged smoke exposure. Residents have criticized the medical response, stating that Pemex medical brigades provided insufficient care and lacked necessary medications. The organization Conexiones Climáticas estimates that between 3,000 and 4,000 people have been affected by the incident, which impacted approximately 270 hectares and released an estimated 252 million cubic meters of gas.