At least 10 people were killed and 60 to 64 others injured in a fireworks explosion on Saturday night at a religious festival in Temascalcingo municipality, located about 160 km northwest of Mexico City. The blast occurred next to the Nuestra Señora de la Luz church during festivities honoring the local patron saint, officials said [1, 2, 3].
Hundreds of residents had gathered in the town square to watch a traditional fireworks display featuring a straw bull fitted with fireworks when the explosion happened. The blast caused nearby building walls to collapse and ignited a fire in the square itself [1, 2, 3].
Two priests were injured but are expected to survive, authorities said. Videos circulating on social media show people walking through smoke and debris as they searched for survivors after the blast [1, 3].
The Mexico State Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation into the cause of the explosion, but it has not yet been determined [1, 2, 3]. Similar deadly fireworks accidents have previously occurred in Mexico, including one in 2018 that killed 24 in Tultepec and another in 2016 that killed 42 people in a market area [2].
Temascalcingo is a municipality with roughly 66,000 residents. The Diocese of Atlacomulco expressed condolences, saying, "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" [2].
Authorities continue to investigate the incident following Saturday night’s explosion.
