On Saturday night (September 5), a fireworks explosion occurred during a religious celebration in a small town in central Mexico, resulting in at least 10 deaths and 64 injuries. The incident took place as hundreds of people had gathered near a church in preparation to watch a fireworks display.
According to reports from the Associated Press, the accident happened in the community of Santa María Canchesdá in Temascalcingo, State of Mexico. The local community was celebrating the Feast of the Virgin of Lourdes, and the fireworks display was part of the festivities.
The Civil Protection Department of the State of Mexico stated that the explosion occurred around 9:30 in the evening. The fireworks materials stored in a warehouse near the church exploded, causing a nearby building to collapse. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Videos circulating locally showed people carrying the traditional Mexican bull-shaped fireworks frame called “torito” during the celebration, with sparks continuously shooting out from the structure. However, there is currently no official confirmation that this activity was directly related to the subsequent explosion in the warehouse.
After the explosion, smoke filled the scene and debris scattered on the ground. Videos showed many individuals searching for survivors at the site, with rescue teams subsequently carrying out search and rescue operations.
As of 9:30 am Sunday, the Civil Protection Department of the State of Mexico reported that the accident has resulted in 10 deaths and 64 injuries. Among the injured are reportedly two priests, according to the local diocese.
The State Attorney General’s Office of Mexico has initiated an investigation into the incident. The remaining fireworks materials at the scene will also be inspected and disposed of by relevant authorities.
Temascalcingo is located approximately 160 kilometers northwest of Mexico City with a population of around 66,000 people. Fireworks are commonly used in religious holidays and local celebrations in Mexico, and in the past, serious explosion accidents involving fireworks have occurred.