At least 10 killed in Mexico festival fireworks blast
At least 60 people were wounded when fireworks detonated during a local ritual in Santa Maria Canchesda, prompting an investigation by Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office.
At least 10 people were killed and at least 60 wounded when fireworks exploded during a village festival in Santa Maria Canchesda, in central Mexico’s Temascalcingo municipality, local government authorities said.
The celebration on Saturday was reportedly part of a local ritual. Video showed revellers carrying a straw bull effigy with fireworks spouting from it.
Reports said the burning effigy apparently ignited a larger store of fireworks kept in the village church. Authorities have not determined the cause of the explosion, and the account remains unconfirmed.
The blast reportedly brought down walls, started a fire in the town square and may have trapped people beneath falling debris. Two priests were injured but were expected to survive, according to the diocese of nearby Atlacomulco.
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation. The country has previously recorded deadly fireworks incidents, including a 2018 factory explosion that killed 24 people and a 2016 market explosion that killed 42.
