At least 10 people were killed and 64 others injured when pyrotechnic material exploded during a patron saint festival in Temascalcingo, a municipality in Mexico State, authorities reported Saturday night. The blast occurred next to the Nuestra Señora de la Luz church, where hundreds of residents had gathered for a fireworks display as part of a religious celebration.
Temascalcingo is located approximately 100 miles northwest of Mexico City. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation by the Mexico State Attorney General’s Office. A local bishop confirmed that two priests were among those injured in the incident.
Video footage circulating on social media shows the immediate aftermath of the explosion, with people navigating through smoke and debris in what appeared to be a search for survivors. Explosions involving pyrotechnics are not uncommon in Mexico, where fireworks are frequently used in street celebrations and religious festivals. In a similar incident nearly four years ago, a powerful fireworks explosion in the state of Hidalgo injured 17 people.