A religious celebration in central Mexico turned deadly after pyrotechnic material exploded near a church, killing at least 10 people and injuring 64 others, authorities said.
The blast occurred on Saturday night near the Nuestra Señora de la Luz church in Temascalcingo, in Mexico State, as hundreds of people gathered for a festival honouring the town's patron saint.
A fireworks display was scheduled as part of the celebrations when the explosion occurred, sending smoke and debris through the area and causing a nearby wall to collapse.
What was supposed to be a religious celebration quickly became a rescue operation.
Witnesses and residents were confronted with smoke, rubble and injured people as emergency responders arrived at the scene.
The incident has once again raised questions over fireworks safety during large public gatherings, particularly when pyrotechnic materials are being used close to densely populated areas.
Authorities are expected to investigate how the fireworks were being handled and stored and whether safety protocols were followed.
Fireworks are commonly used during festivals, religious celebrations and other public events across Mexico.
But the widespread use of pyrotechnics also carries significant risks.
Previous incidents have involved explosions at fireworks workshops and storage sites, sometimes resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
The latest tragedy underscores the dangers of combining large crowds with pyrotechnic material, particularly when the explosives are positioned close to buildings and public gathering spaces.
For the families of those killed, however, a night meant for celebration has ended in tragedy.
Ten people are dead, 64 are injured — and authorities are now investigating how a festival celebration turned into a deadly explosion.
