At least 26 people have been confirmed dead in the horrific explosion at a Mexican fireworks market this morning, with dozens more injured.
The explosion at the open-air San Pablito fireworks market in Tultepec, about 32km north of Mexico City, sent huge plumes of grey smoke into the air.
Huge explosion at fireworks factory in #Tultepec, #Mexico.
– Mulitiple people dead
– Around 60 injured
Fires burning near scene
vid??televisa pic.twitter.com/IC2Jc8peOe— Navy????Brat (@RavenHUWolf) December 20, 2016
Isidro Sanchez, head of the Tultepec emergency services, confirmed the death toll and said at least 40 other people had been wounded. (NB: there are conflicting reports that the death toll has risen to 27.)
National Civil Protection coordinator Luis Felipe Puente told Milenio TV that emergency responders have no choice but to let any remaining unexploded fireworks burn off. He’s asked people not to come within 5km of the scene to avoid danger or further hamper rescue efforts.
Es prioridad atender a lesionados. Más adelante, Protección Civil mexiquense dará detalles de lo ocurrido.
— Eruviel Ávila (@eruviel_avila) December 20, 2016
Milenio TV also reports that the attorney’s office has acknowledged that changes need to made to prevent similar tragedies occurring in the future.
Photo: Twitter.
