At least 29 people died and 50 others were injured after an explosion ripped through a popular fireworks market in Mexico, sending a massive plume of smoke into the sky as 10 Red Cross ambulances rushed to the scene.
The governor of the State of Mexico, Eruviel Avila, said at least 29 people were killed in the explosion that sent flames through the pyrotechnics booths at the open-air San Pablito Market in Tultepec, about 20 miles north of Mexico City. At the time of the blast, the market was packed with shoppers buying fireworks for upcoming holiday celebrations.
"Mexico is in mourning," Avila said in an interview with Foro TV.
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto took to Twitter to offer his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the blast and wish the injured a speedy recovery.
Reuters reported that sirens wailed and a heavy scent of gunpowder lingered in the air after the afternoon blast at the market, where most of the fireworks stalls were completely leveled. The smoking, burned out shells of vehicles ringed the perimeter, and first responders and local residents who rushed to help combed through the ashes. Firefighters hosed down still-smoldering hotspots.
The Mexican Red Cross said it sent 10 ambulances with 50 paramedics to the scene.
In 2005, a fire engulfed the same market, touching off a chain of explosions that leveled hundreds of stalls just ahead of Mexico's Independence Day. A similar fire at the San Pablito Market also destroyed hundreds of stands in September 2006.
Many in Mexico traditionally celebrate holidays — including Christmas and New Year's — by setting off noisy firecrackers and rockets.
Sirens wailed after the blast Tuesday afternoon as first responders and residents combed through rubble. The explosion left most of the fireworks stalls completely leveled. Firefighters hosed down remaining hotspots.
The Mexican Red Cross said it sent 10 ambulances with 50 paramedics to the scene.
Well after the blast, fireworks continued to go off. National Civil Protection Coordinator Luis Felipe said there was no choice but to let any unexploded fireworks be consumed.
The scene remained dangerous with some nearby homes damaged from the blast, Puente added. He asked people to stay at least 3 miles away from the scene to avoid hindering the emergency response.
A fire engulfed the same market in 2005, setting off a chain of explosions that leveled hundreds of stalls just ahead of Mexico’s Independence Day. A similar fire at the San Pablito Market also destroyed hundreds of stands in September 2006.
Many in Mexico traditionally celebrate holidays — including Christmas and New Year’s — by setting off noisy firecrackers and rockets.
Contributing: Associated Press.
