The death toll from Tuesday's ammonia gas leak in southern Mexico has climbed to seven after four more died of their injuries, authorities said Wednesday.

At least 40 others were poisoned in the mishap, which occurred when a backhoe operated by road workers hit and pieced an ammonia gas pipeline, according to state-run oil company Pemex, owner of the pipeline.

The leak is now under control, said the company, adding that about 1,500 people were evacuated from surrounding areas and taken to shelters.

The leak, in the southern state of Oaxaca, was the latest of a string of accidents to hit the Mexican company in recent years. Nearly 40 were killed in January when a gas leak caused a massive explosion at its headquarters in Mexico City.

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