Fireworks explosion at religious festival in Mexico kills at least 10, injures 64

At least 10 people were killed and 64 others injured after pyrotechnic material exploded during a religious festival in central Mexico, authorities said.

The explosion occurred on Saturday (5 September 2026) night near the Nuestra Señora de la Luz church in Temascalcingo, Mexico State, about 160km northwest of Mexico City.

Hundreds of people had gathered for a fireworks display as part of celebrations for the town's patron saint when the blast occurred.

Explosion hits festival crowd

Footage circulating on social media showed the aftermath of the explosion, with people walking through smoke and debris as they searched for survivors.

According to Al Jazeera, video from the event showed revellers carrying a straw bull with fireworks attached to it as part of a local ritual in Santa Maria Canchesda, a community in the Temascalcingo municipality.

The burning bull reportedly ignited a larger stockpile of fireworks near the village church, causing an explosion that brought down walls and sparked a fire in the town square.

Local media reported that some people were trapped beneath debris after walls collapsed.

A local bishop said two priests were among those injured.

Investigation launched into cause

The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.

Mexico State's Attorney General's Office has opened an investigation into the incident.

Emergency crews responded to the scene as authorities searched for victims and survivors amid the debris.

Pyrotechnic explosions are relatively common in Mexico, where fireworks are widely used during street celebrations and religious festivals.

The incident occurred during a festival honouring a patron saint, with large crowds gathered in the area for the celebrations.