At least 10 people were killed and 64 injured Saturday night in Temascalcingo, Mexico State, when pyrotechnic material exploded during a festival for a patron saint. The explosion occurred next to the Nuestra Señora de la Luz church in the municipality of Temascalcingo, which has a population of approximately 66,000. Hundreds of residents were preparing to watch a fireworks display as part of the religious festival when the blast occurred, collapsing a wall and igniting a fire. According to reports, the explosion was triggered by fireworks attached to a bull effigy, which then ignited a larger store of pyrotechnic material. Two priests were among those injured, and video footage shows people searching for survivors amidst smoke and debris.
The Mexico State Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. Similar incidents have occurred in Mexico previously, including a 2018 explosion in Hidalgo that injured 17 people, and two years prior, an explosion in a market north of Mexico City that killed 42. The municipality of Temascalcingo is located about 100 miles northwest of Mexico City, and the incident occurred Saturday night. Local media reports indicate some people were trapped under fallen debris. The diocese of Atlacomulco released a statement offering prayers for those affected.
While the precise circumstances remain under investigation, the incident highlights the risks associated with the frequent use of fireworks in Mexican street celebrations and religious festivals. The cause of the explosion has not been determined, and authorities are working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide assistance to those affected.
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