A fireworks explosion during a religious festival in central Mexico has killed at least 10 people and injured 64 others, turning a traditional community celebration into a deadly disaster.

The explosion occurred Saturday night in Santa María Canchesda, in the municipality of Temascalcingo in Mexico State, where hundreds of people had gathered for festivities honouring the Virgin of the Light. Mexican authorities said pyrotechnic material detonated near the local church, causing part of a structure to collapse and sending debris through the crowded area.

Celebration Turns Into Chaos

The festival included a traditional fireworks display involving a decorated bull-shaped structure. According to reports, fireworks associated with the celebration apparently ignited additional pyrotechnic material stored near the church.

The resulting blast caused heavy damage in the surrounding area. Videos and photographs from the scene showed debris scattered around the festival grounds as residents and emergency workers searched for people affected by the explosion.

At least two priests were among those injured, according to the nearby diocese.

Emergency Teams Respond

Emergency personnel were sent to the site as residents attempted to help people trapped beneath fallen material.

The injured were transported to medical facilities for treatment, while authorities began assessing the structural damage and investigating the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

The final casualty figure could change as authorities continue reviewing the incident and treating those injured.

Investigation Underway

Mexican authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the blast.

Officials will be examining how the fireworks were stored, whether safety requirements were followed and what caused the initial ignition. The investigation is particularly important because pyrotechnic accidents have occurred previously at festivals and religious celebrations in Mexico.

Fireworks remain deeply connected with many Mexican cultural and religious events, but their use in densely populated areas can create significant safety risks when large quantities of explosive material are stored close to crowds.

Community Faces Loss After Festival

The incident has left the Temascalcingo community dealing with both fatalities and a large number of injured residents.

What began as a religious gathering quickly became a major emergency, with families searching for relatives and authorities working to identify victims and provide medical assistance.

Officials are expected to examine whether additional safety restrictions or enforcement measures are needed to prevent similar incidents at future celebrations.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers associated with uncontrolled or improperly stored fireworks, particularly when large crowds gather in confined areas.