At Least 10 Killed, 64 Injured In Mexico Pyrotechnic Explosion

At Least 10 Killed, 64 Injured in Mexico Pyrotechnic Explosion

At least 10 people have been killed and 64 others injured after pyrotechnic material exploded during a religious festival in central Mexico, authorities said. The explosion occurred on Saturday night in the community of Santa María Canchesdá, in the Temascalcingo municipality of Mexico State, during celebrations in honour of Our Lady of Light, the town’s patron saint. Hundreds of residents had gathered near the Nuestra Señora de la Luz church ahead of a planned fireworks display when the blast occurred. The force of the explosion caused part of a nearby wall and church structure to collapse, trapping people beneath the rubble. Emergency teams, including civil protection personnel, firefighters, police and rescue workers from surrounding municipalities, rushed to the scene. Several victims were pulled from the debris and transported to hospitals for treatment. Among those injured were two priests, according to the Diocese of Atlacomulco. Reports also indicate that people of different ages, including children and older adults, were among those injured. Mexican authorities said the pyrotechnic material had been stored in an area being used as a warehouse. The exact circumstances that led to the explosion remain under investigation. The Mexico State Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation into the incident, while rescue and emergency teams continued working at the scene to assist victims and clear the affected area. The tragedy has renewed concerns about the dangers associated with the widespread use and storage of fireworks during religious and community celebrations in Mexico.