At least 10 killed in fireworks accident in central Mexico

At least 10 people were killed and 64 injured when fireworks stored in a building used as a warehouse exploded during a patronal festival in Santa María Canchesdá, in the municipality of Temascalcingo, Mexico state.

The accident occurred on Saturday night during celebrations for Our Lady of Light, the state government said in a Sunday statement. The injured were taken to different medical units for specialized care.

Authorities said the explosion involved pyrotechnic material stored inside the property. Rescue, assistance and risk-control operations were carried out at the site. Residents shared videos of the festival on social media, and local accounts said the event had drawn more people than usual.

The state’s civil protection and risk-management authorities coordinated the response with municipal, state and federal agencies, as well as the armed forces. An Incident Command System was established to organize personnel from Civil Protection, the State of Mexico Emergency Services and the state health institute.

The state pyrotechnics institute checked for active material and issued recommendations for specialists to dismantle and disable it, aiming to reduce risks for responders. The Defense Ministry, National Guard, state prosecutors, the Mexican Red Cross, emergency organizations, medical services, firefighters and municipal civil protection teams also took part. Governor Delfina Gómez offered condolences to the victims’ families and said emergency services were working at the scene.

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I accompany you with profound respect and affection in these moments of pain.