A religious festival in Mexico turned into a nightmare after a massive fireworks explosion killed at least 10 people and injured dozens more.
The deadly blast happened Saturday night, Sept. 5, during festivities honoring a patron saint in Santa María Canchesdá, a community in Temascalcingo in Mexico State, roughly 100 miles from Mexico City.
Authorities said stored pyrotechnic material exploded near the Nuestra Señora de la Luz church, sending a powerful blast through the festival area and causing part of a wall or nearby structure to collapse.
At least 10 people were killed and 64 others were injured.
Among those hurt were two priests, while children and elderly festivalgoers were also rushed to local hospitals for treatment.
Videos circulating online showed the terrifying aftermath as emergency crews responded to the scene.
Officials have not yet determined what caused the fireworks to explode, and Mexico State authorities have opened an investigation.
Mexican Senate President Higinio Martinez said he had spoken with Temascalcingo Mayor Veronica Moreno Martinez following the disaster and offered assistance to the community.
“My solidarity and deepest condolences go to the families who today are mourning the loss of their loved ones,” Martinez said.
He also wished those injured a speedy recovery and expressed support for the entire Temascalcingo community.
The tragedy is the latest deadly incident involving fireworks in Mexico, where pyrotechnics are commonly used during religious celebrations, holidays and local festivals.
Nearly four years earlier, a fireworks explosion in a village in Hidalgo state injured 17 people.
Fireworks accidents are also a recurring danger in the United States.
Earlier this summer, two teenagers in Orange County, California, suffered devastating injuries after an illegal firework exploded during Fourth of July celebrations in Anaheim.
The mother of one teenager said her son lost several fingers and suffered severe damage to his hand after he and a friend reportedly picked up the firework from the street and lit it.
Several weeks later, another frightening fireworks accident happened during a Minor League Baseball game when pyrotechnics reportedly fired toward spectators, sending fans scrambling for cover.
No injuries were reported in that incident.
In Mexico, investigators are now trying to determine exactly what triggered Saturday night’s explosion as families mourn those killed and dozens of injured survivors recover.
Discover more from True News Media
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.