Mexico Festival Fireworks Blast Kills 10, Injures Dozens

TEMASCALCINGO — An explosion of pyrotechnic material killed at least 10 people and injured 64 others during a religious festival in Temascalcingo, Mexico State, on Saturday, Sept. 6. The blast caused a wall to collapse near the Nuestra Señora de la Luz church in the community of Santa Maria Canchesda, where hundreds of residents had gathered to watch a fireworks display honoring the Virgin of the Light.

A local bishop said two priests were among the injured.

The Mexico State Attorney General's Office initiated an investigation into the explosion. Officials have not yet determined the specific cause of the pyrotechnic detonation.

Temascalcingo is a municipality in central Mexico with about 66,000 residents, roughly 160 kilometers northwest of Mexico City.

Fireworks explosions are common at public celebrations and religious festivals throughout Mexico. In 2022, a fireworks explosion in Huejutla, Hidalgo, injured 17 people.

A local bishop said two priests were among the injured.

The Mexico State Attorney General's Office initiated an investigation into the explosion. Officials have not yet determined the specific cause of the pyrotechnic detonation.

Temascalcingo is a municipality in central Mexico with about 66,000 residents, roughly 160 kilometers northwest of Mexico City.

Fireworks explosions are common at public celebrations and religious festivals throughout Mexico. In 2022, a fireworks explosion in Huejutla, Hidalgo, injured 17 people.