A fireworks explosion at a religious festival in central Mexico killed at least 10 people and injured another 64 on Saturday night, Mexican authorities said. The blast collapsed a wall next to the Nuestra Señora de la Luz church in Temascalcingo, a municipality of 66,000 residents in Mexico State.
Hundreds of people had gathered to watch a pyrotechnic display honouring the town’s patron saint when pyrotechnic material detonated. The municipality lies about 160 kilometres (100 miles) northwest of Mexico City.
A local bishop said two priests were among the injured. Video shared on social media showed the aftermath of the blast, with dozens of people moving through smoke and debris in search of survivors.
The cause of the explosion has not been established. The Mexico State Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation. Local government accounts pointed to a burning bull effigy as the possible trigger, though officials have not confirmed that detail.
Explosions involving pyrotechnics are common in Mexico, where fireworks feature heavily in street celebrations and religious festivals. Nearly four years ago, a fireworks explosion in a village in the municipality of Huejutla, in the central state of Hidalgo, left 17 people injured.
Mexico’s fireworks industry, concentrated in central states, has a long record of deadly accidents at markets, workshops and public events. Regulation of amateur pyrotechnics at village festivals remains loosely enforced.
Rescue and medical teams continued treating the wounded on Sunday as investigators examined the site around the church.