Fireworks blast kills 10 at Mexico village festival

September 7, 2026 at 02:08 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

At least 10 people were killed and 60 wounded when fireworks exploded during a village festival in Santa Maria Canchesda, Temascalcingo municipality, central Mexico. The blast occurred after a burning bull effigy ignited a larger fireworks store in the village church, knocking down walls and starting a fire in the town square. Mexico's Attorney General's Office has opened an investigation into the cause.

Key Facts

At least 10 people were killed and 60 wounded in the blast, according to the local government.
The explosion occurred in Santa Maria Canchesda, Temascalcingo municipality, central Mexico.
A burning bull effigy ignited a larger store of fireworks in the village church.
Mexico's Attorney General's Office has opened an investigation into the cause.
Two priests were injured but are expected to survive, the diocese of Atlacomulco said.

The Explosion

Video showed revellers carrying a bull made of straw with fireworks spouting out of the effigy. The burning bull apparently ignited a larger store of fireworks in the village church. The explosion knocked down walls and ignited a fire in the town square. Local media reported that some people were trapped under falling debris from the blast.

Casualties and Response

At least 10 people have been killed and at least 60 wounded, according to the local government. The diocese of the nearby municipality of Atlacomulco said two priests were injured but are expected to survive. Mexico's Attorney General's Office said the cause of the explosion has not been determined and an investigation has opened. The diocese said in a statement: "We join together in prayer for those who have lost their lives, their families and loved ones, as well as those who were injured and all those who are experiencing moments of pain and worry today."

Previous Fireworks Accidents

In July 2018, an explosion killed 24 people at a fireworks factory in Tultepec, north of Mexico City. Two years earlier, 42 people died in another fireworks explosion in a market in the city.