A massive fireworks explosion ripped through a crowded patron saint festival in central Mexico Saturday night, killing at least 10 people and injuring 64 others after part of a church structure collapsed, authorities confirmed.
The blast occurred around 9:30 p.m. local time in the small community of Santa María Canchesdá in Temascalcingo, State of Mexico, about 100 miles northwest of Mexico City, during celebrations honoring Our Lady of the Light. Hundreds of residents had gathered in the plaza in front of the Nuestra Señora de la Luz church when stored pyrotechnic material detonated.
Intense video circulating on social media captures the chaos in real time. Crowds stand near the illuminated church as fireworks erupt uncontrollably from what appears to be a mobile display or storage area. Sparks fly in every direction, thick smoke fills the square, and panicked festivalgoers sprint away as flames intensify and a section of the building gives way. People can be seen running through the haze, some covering their faces, as the scene turns from celebration to disaster.
State officials said the explosion originated from pyrotechnics stored in a space used as a warehouse adjacent to the church. The blast caused the roof and a nearby wall to collapse, burying several people under debris. Eight victims died at the scene; two more later succumbed to their injuries at a hospital in nearby Atlacomulco. Among the wounded were two local priests, Fernando Chávez Cruz and Javier Sánchez Montes, who were treated and reported to be out of danger.
Mexico State Civil Protection Director Adrián Hernández Romero confirmed the details, noting that extra crowds had gathered for the traditional festival. Governor Delfina Gómez issued condolences to the families of the victims and said emergency crews from multiple agencies, including firefighters, state police, and the armed forces, responded immediately. Heavy machinery was brought in to clear rubble and search for anyone still trapped.
The State Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation into the exact cause of the detonation. Officials have not yet determined whether it was an accident involving a fireworks cart or stored materials igniting. The State of Mexico Pyrotechnics Institute inspected the site Sunday and issued safety recommendations to prevent further risk from remaining explosives.
Fireworks accidents have long been a recurring danger at Mexican religious festivals, where unregulated pyrotechnics are commonly used in densely packed public spaces. This latest tragedy has left a tight-knit community in mourning as recovery efforts continue and hospitals treat dozens of injured residents, including children. Authorities say the death toll could still rise.
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