Horrifying video captured the moment a fireworks explosion at a popular festival descended into chaos in Mexico, leaving 10 people dead and injuring 64 others, officials said.
Pyrotechnic material exploded Saturday night during a festival honoring a patron saint next to the Nuestra Señora de la Luz church in Temascalcingo, a municipality in central Mexico.
The explosion caused a wall to collapse, killing at least 10 people and injuring 64 others, Mexican authorities said.
Disturbing footage showed several angles of the explosion as patrons recorded what was supposed to be a fireworks celebration.
A packed crowd huddled together, seemingly enjoying the display before it became obvious that something had gone terribly wrong.
The giddy cheers of the crowd quickly turned to panic as the glow of the fireworks grew into an uncontrollable explosion.
The crowd could be heard screaming as people tried to flee to safety.
Hundreds of people had gathered to watch a fireworks display, part of a religious festival, when the blast occurred.
Residents look at the area destroyed by a fireworks explosion by Santa María Canchesdá church in Temascalcingo, Mexico, Sunday (AP Photo/Ramses Mercado)
Mexico State police inspect the area destroyed by a fireworks explosion by the Santa María Canchesdá church in Temascalcingo, Mexico, Sunday (AP Photo/Ramses Mercado)
Aerial view of the area destroyed by a fireworks explosion by the Santa María Canchesdá church in Temascalcingo, Mexico, Sunday 6 (AP Photo/Ramses Mercado)
The cause of the explosion has not been determined, and the State of Mexico Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation.
Two priests were among the injured, according to a local bishop.
Footage shared on social media shows the aftermath of the blast, with dozens of people walking through smoke and debris in search of survivors.
Fireworks explosions are not uncommon in Mexico, where pyrotechnics are frequently used during street celebrations and religious festivals.
Nearly four years ago, a powerful fireworks explosion in a village in the municipality of Huejutla, in the central state of Hidalgo, injured 17 people.
Temascalcingo is about 100 miles northwest of Mexico City.
