TEMASCALCINGO, Mexico — A fireworks explosion during a crowded religious festival in central Mexico has killed 10 people and injured 81, turning celebrations in Santa María Canchesdá into a mass-casualty emergency.
🚨🇲🇽 Mexico: A powerful explosion during a patron saint festival in Temascalcingo, State of Mexico, left 9 dead and 40+ injured after pyrotechnics detonated and part of a church collapsed. pic.twitter.com/qUbtzBNUsO
— NewsZone (@NewsZonex24) September 7, 2026
The blast happened on Saturday night, September 5, during festivities honoring Nuestra Señora de la Luz, or Our Lady of Light. Hundreds of people had gathered near the church when pyrotechnic material stored nearby exploded, damaging structures and trapping some victims beneath debris.
The latest casualty count is higher than the 64 injuries initially reported. Authorities later said 81 people received medical attention, 54 had been discharged and 27 remained hospitalized. Five hospitalized patients were reported in serious condition.
What happened at the religious festival?
The explosion occurred in Santa María Canchesdá, part of the municipality of Temascalcingo in the State of Mexico, roughly 160 kilometers (100 miles) northwest of Mexico City.
Authorities said pyrotechnic material intended for the festivities was being kept in an area near the parish that was used for storage. The material detonated while people were gathered for the celebration.
The blast caused part of a structure and a wall near the church to collapse. Concrete and other debris were thrown into the surrounding festival area, where mechanical rides and stalls had been set up.
Two minors among 10 people killed
According to the latest local reporting, two minors were among the 10 people killed. Nine victims were reported to have died at or around the scene, while another person died while being transported for medical treatment.
Children, adults and elderly residents were among those requiring medical care. Victims were transported to hospitals and health facilities in Atlacomulco, Temascalcingo and surrounding communities, with some requiring specialized treatment for burns and other injuries.
Two parish priests, Fernando Chávez Cruz and Javier Sánchez Montes, were also injured. The Diocese of Atlacomulco later said both were receiving treatment and were out of danger.
Why are some reports saying 64 injured?
Initial government information listed 10 deaths and 64 injuries, a figure subsequently carried in early international reports.
Later information from the wider emergency response put the number of people treated at 81. State Civil Protection coordinator Adrián Hernández said 54 had been discharged and 27 remained hospitalized, including five in serious condition.
The difference is important for readers following the developing story because older reports containing the 64-injury figure remain online.
Explosion damaged rides, businesses and homes
The blast caused extensive damage around the church. Local reporting said concrete debris landed on amusement rides installed for the festival, while at least eight nearby stalls or commercial premises were damaged. Windows in surrounding homes were also shattered.
The incident follows other serious emergencies involving explosive material in the region. A recent military base explosion in Viacha, Bolivia also required a major emergency response as authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding the blast.
Emergency crews find more pyrotechnic material
Authorities established an Incident Command System as Civil Protection personnel, firefighters, emergency medical teams, police, the Mexican Red Cross, National Guard and military personnel responded.
Crews from several surrounding municipalities also assisted with rescue operations and transporting victims to hospitals.
Specialists from the State of Mexico’s pyrotechnics institute inspected the scene and found additional active pyrotechnic material. It had to be secured or dismantled to reduce the risk of another explosion while rescuers and investigators worked around the damaged structures.
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What caused the Mexico fireworks explosion?
Authorities have established that stored pyrotechnic material detonated, but they have not determined what triggered the explosion.
The State of Mexico Attorney General’s Office opened an investigation, with forensic teams examining the scene and collecting evidence. Investigators are expected to examine how the fireworks were stored and handled and whether applicable safety requirements were followed.
The Associated Press reported that hundreds of people had gathered for the religious festivities and that prosecutors were investigating the cause.
Until investigators release their findings, claims blaming negligence, an electrical fault or any specific person should not be presented as established fact.
Community faces aftermath of deadly blast
The Diocese of Atlacomulco appealed for supplies including food, water, blankets and medical materials as families gathered around hospitals treating victims.
The investigation could have wider relevance because fireworks are commonly used during religious and community celebrations across Mexico, particularly where large crowds gather close to pyrotechnic displays and storage areas.
Securing a mass-casualty scene can also remain difficult after the initial event because of unstable structures and hazardous material, a challenge seen in other major emergencies including the recent Amazon cargo plane crash near Miami airport.
For Santa María Canchesdá, attention remains on the 27 people still hospitalized, including five reported in serious condition, and on the investigation into why the fireworks detonated. Authorities had not announced a definitive cause as of the latest update.
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