Mexico City, Sept 8:
At least 10 people were killed and 64 others injured after stored pyrotechnic material exploded during a religious festival in central Mexico, triggering panic among hundreds of people attending the celebration.
The explosion occurred during a patron saint festival in Temascalcingo municipality in Mexico State. Pyrotechnic material detonated during the celebrations, causing a powerful blast that damaged the area and left scores of people injured.
Emergency personnel rushed to the scene to rescue victims and take the injured to hospitals. Images and videos from the incident showed people fleeing the area as the explosion sent debris flying and caused significant damage near the festival site.
The celebration was part of a local religious tradition in which fireworks form a prominent part of the festivities. Authorities are investigating how the pyrotechnic material exploded and whether safety procedures were followed.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over the risks associated with the storage and use of fireworks during crowded religious and cultural celebrations, particularly where large quantities of pyrotechnics are handled close to participants.