Tragedy at a religious festival in Mexico: nine killed and 24 injured in church fireworks blast

At least nine people died and 24 were injured when fireworks exploded inside a church during patronal celebrations in Santa María Canchesdá, in Mexico’s central State of Mexico, on Saturday night.

The blast took place in a room where pyrotechnic materials were stored, according to Civil Protection authorities. The explosion caused the structure to collapse onto people gathered for festivities honoring Our Lady of Light.

Eight people died at the scene, according to initial reports from the State of Mexico Civil Protection agency. A ninth victim later died in a hospital in Atlacomulco, where the person had been taken for treatment.

Civil Protection personnel, firefighters from several municipalities, the National Emergency Commission and state police joined the response. Heavy machinery was brought in to remove the remains of the collapsed structure, while emergency teams searched for anyone who might still be trapped. Residents also helped with rescue and assistance efforts.

Emergency crews from Acambay, El Oro and Atlacomulco arrived to help rescue victims and transfer the injured to nearby hospitals. The Mexican Social Security Institute activated its emergency protocols. Local residents used social media to request additional supplies and medical assistance as the scale of the emergency became clear. The Diocese of Atlacomulco said two priests from Santa María Canchesdá were injured, but both were out of danger after receiving treatment. The diocese expressed condolences to the families of those killed.