A religious celebration has turned into a tragedy in Mexico, after a powerful fireworks explosion near a church caused at least 10 deaths and over 60 injuries.

The serious incident occurred on Saturday evening in the community of Santa Maria Cantada, in the state of Mexico, during celebrations for Patron Saints' Day.

According to authorities, the fireworks set fire to a parish building used as a storage facility for pyrotechnic materials. The flames then caused a powerful explosion, spreading the fire to the area where the celebrations were taking place.

Videos published by local media show moments of panic, as dozens of people gathered in the square in front of the church.

According to reports, the incident occurred during a traditional ritual involving a "bull"-shaped structure loaded with fireworks. Residents had brought it on a cart for the festive ceremony.

After the fireworks were lit, the flames spread and touched the pyrotechnic materials stored in the building next to the church.

The explosion caused chaos among the participants. People began to run away from the square, while emergency crews arrived at the scene to help the injured and bring the fire under control.

Local authorities have launched investigations to determine the exact circumstances of the explosion and whether safety measures for the storage and use of pyrotechnic materials were respected.

The death toll may change, while some of the injured are in serious condition.

© BalkansWeb
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