At least 10 killed in fireworks blast during central Mexico festival

At least 10 people were killed and 60 wounded when fireworks exploded during a village festival in central Mexico. The blast occurred in Santa Maria Canchesda, in the municipality of Temascalcingo, as people carried a straw bull with fireworks shooting from it.

The celebration on Saturday formed part of a local ritual. The burning bull apparently ignited a larger store of fireworks in the village church, according to reports. The explosion brought down walls and started a fire in the town square, while some people were reportedly trapped beneath falling debris.

The diocese of nearby Atlacomulco said two priests were injured but were expected to survive. “We join together in prayer for those who have lost their lives, their families and loved ones, as well as those who were injured and all those who are experiencing moments of pain and worry today,” the diocese said in a social media statement.

Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office said the cause of the explosion had not been determined and opened an investigation. Fireworks accidents have previously caused large numbers of deaths in Mexico. An explosion at a fireworks factory in Tultepec killed 24 people in July 2018, while another blast at a market killed 42 people two years earlier.

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We join together in prayer for those who have lost their lives, their families and loved ones, as well as those who were injured and all those who are experiencing moments of pain and worry today.