At least 10 people have been killed and 64 others injured after pyrotechnic material exploded and a wall collapsed during a festival in Mexico State. The blast occurred during celebrations for Our Lady of the Light on the evening of Saturday, September 5.
Explosion near church during festival
The tragedy unfolded adjacent to the Nuestra Señora de la Luz church in Temascalcingo, a municipality approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles) northwest of Mexico City with a population of 66,000 residents. Hundreds of attendees had gathered to witness a fireworks display as part of the festivities when the explosion took place.
The cause of the blast remains undetermined, and the Mexico State Attorney General's Office has launched an investigation. A local bishop confirmed that two priests are among those injured. Footage circulating on social media captures the scene in the immediate aftermath, with scores of people navigating through smoke and rubble while searching for survivors.
Official response and condolences
Senate President Higinio Martinez stated: "My solidarity and deepest condolences go to the families who today are mourning the loss of their loved ones. To those who were injured, I wish a speedy recovery. In these difficult moments, I embrace the entire Temascalcingo community with respect and fraternity."
A statement from the Mexican government said: "From the first report, the Government of the State of Mexico, through the General Coordination of Civil Protection and Comprehensive Risk Management, in coordination with the three levels of government and the armed forces, responded to the explosion registered in the parish of the community of Santa María Canchesda, municipality of Temascalcingo, on the night of September 5."
Investigation and rescue efforts
The statement continued: "The incident occurred due to the detonation of pyrotechnic material stored in a space of the building that was used as a warehouse. Rescue, relief, and risk control efforts were carried out at the site. The Mexiquense Institute of Pyrotechnics (IMEPI) verified the presence of active product and issued recommendations for specialized personnel to proceed with its dismantling and disablement, with the purpose of reducing risks for those carrying out work on site."
The response operation included the Secretariat of National Defence, the National Guard, the Attorney General's Office of the State of Mexico (FGJEM), the Mexican Red Cross, the National Emergency Commission, security forces, medical services, and Municipal Units of Civil Protection and Firefighters from Temascalcingo, Ixtlahuaca, El Oro, San José del Rincón, Acambay, Atlacomulco, and Contepec, Michoacán.
Blasts involving pyrotechnics occur regularly in Mexico, where fireworks are commonly deployed during street festivities and religious ceremonies. Approximately four years ago, a fireworks blast in a village within the Huejutla municipality left 17 people wounded.
