A fireworks explosion beside the Nuestra Señora de la Luz church during a patron-saint festival in Temascalcingo collapsed a wall and killed at least 10 people while injuring 64. Authorities say the Mexico State Attorney General's Office has opened an investigation, and a local bishop reported two priests were among the wounded. Social media footage shows smoke, debris and people searching the scene for survivors. Fireworks-related accidents are a recurring safety concern in Mexico.
Fireworks Blast at Temascalcingo Patron-Saint Festival Kills 10, Injures 64
Residents look at the area destroyed by a fireworks explosion by Santa María Canchesdá church in Temascalcingo, Mexico, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramses Mercado)(AP Photo/Ramses Mercado)
A pyrotechnic explosion during a patron-saint festival in Temascalcingo, in Mexico State, collapsed a wall and left at least 10 people dead and 64 others injured, authorities said.
Mexico State police inspect the area destroyed by a fireworks explosion by the Santa María Canchesdá church in Temascalcingo, Mexico, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramses Mercado)(AP Photo/Ramses Mercado)
The blast occurred Saturday night beside the Nuestra Señora de la Luz church, where hundreds of residents had gathered to watch a traditional fireworks display. Temascalcingo is a municipality of roughly 66,000 people located about 160 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Mexico City.
Areal view of the area destroyed by a fireworks explosion by the Santa María Canchesdá church in Temascalcingo, Mexico, Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramses Mercado)(AP Photo/Ramses Mercado)
What Officials Are Saying
The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. The Mexico State Attorney General's Office has opened an investigation into the incident. A local bishop reported that two priests were among those injured.
Eyewitnesses and Footage
Video shared on social media shows smoke, debris and dozens of people walking through the scene searching for survivors. Emergency crews and local authorities responded to assist the wounded and secure the area.
Context
Explosions involving fireworks and pyrotechnic material are relatively common in Mexico, where such displays are widely used in street celebrations and religious festivals. Nearly four years ago, a powerful fireworks blast in a village in the municipality of Huejutla, Hidalgo, injured 17 people.
Note: Authorities continue to investigate the origin and handling of the pyrotechnic material involved in the blast.
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