An explosion of fireworks during patron saint festivities has left at least nine people dead and more than twenty injured on the night of this Saturday in the community of Santa María Canchesdá, municipality of Temascalcingo, in the State of Mexico. Local media, citing the state Civil Protection director, Adrián Hernández Romero, detail that the explosion occurred in a chamber of the municipal church, around which the celebrations were taking place. The blast caused the collapse of part of the church structure.
Rescue units and ambulances arrived at the scene. Heavy machinery is being used to remove debris and rescue people trapped. Personnel from Civil Protection and Firefighters from various municipalities, the National Emergency Commission, and the State Police are participating in the efforts. Images and videos from the incident area show residents helping authorities under the light of large lamps.
The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals. The IMSS delegation in the State of Mexico has published that institutional protocols have been activated to attend to the people they receive. A list with data of the injured shared on X indicates that among them are children, teenagers, adults, and elderly people.
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The Diocese of Atlacomulco has published a statement informing that two priests from Santa María Canchesdá were injured but are out of danger after receiving medical attention in a hospital. The diocese has also mourned the fatalities and expressed condolences to the families.
After the tragedy, people who were safe at the location have requested more medical aid through social media. The patron saint festivities were in honor of the Virgin of Our Lady of the Light. The municipality of Temascalcingo is on the border of the State of Mexico with Michoacán.
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