A series of explosions tore through a sprawling fireworks market outside Mexico City on Tuesday, injuring scores and killing dozens.
Mexican officials said at least 70 people were injured by the blasts at the San Pablito Market in Tultepec, about 20 miles north of the capital. Mexico State Gov. Eruviel Ávila reported 29 deaths so far. A bystander caught the dramatic scene in a video posted to YouTube.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene but were forced to wait for the chain-reaction explosions to die down before getting closer. Officials said a number of houses were damaged.
“My condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives in this accident,” President Enrique Peña Nieto said in a Twitter post. “And my wishes for a prompt recovery of the injured.”
Fireworks are popular in Mexico to celebrate holidays, such as Christmas and New Year’s. Similar explosions at the same market in 2005 and 2006 destroyed hundreds of vendors’ stalls.
Mexican officials said at least 70 people were injured by the blasts at the San Pablito Market in Tultepec, about 20 miles north of the capital. Mexico State Gov. Eruviel Ávila reported 29 deaths so far. A bystander caught the dramatic scene in a video posted to YouTube.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene but were forced to wait for the chain-reaction explosions to die down before getting closer. Officials said a number of houses were damaged.
“My condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives in this accident,” President Enrique Peña Nieto said in a Twitter post. “And my wishes for a prompt recovery of the injured.”
Fireworks are popular in Mexico to celebrate holidays, such as Christmas and New Year’s. Similar explosions at the same market in 2005 and 2006 destroyed hundreds of vendors’ stalls.
