An explosion involving stored pyrotechnic materials during a religious festival in central Mexico killed at least 10 people and injured 64 others, after the blast caused part of a church structure to collapse, authorities said.

The explosion occurred on Saturday night near the Nuestra Señora de la Luz Church in the Santa María Canchesdá community of Temascalcingo, in the State of Mexico, about 160 kilometres northwest of Mexico City. Hundreds of residents had gathered for a patron saint festival and were preparing to watch a traditional fireworks display when the blast occurred.

Initial reports indicate that the explosion was caused by pyrotechnic materials kept in a storage area near the church. The force of the blast damaged nearby structures, bringing down a wall and trapping some people beneath debris. Emergency teams and local residents searched through smoke and rubble for survivors after the incident.

The Mexico State Attorney General’s Office has launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion. Authorities have not yet determined whether the incident resulted from improper storage, handling of the materials or another technical failure.

A local bishop said that two priests were among those injured in the blast. Several victims, including children and elderly people, were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Videos shared on social media showed a scene filled with thick smoke and debris, with residents moving through the damaged area in an effort to help rescue those trapped after the explosion.

Fireworks are widely used during religious celebrations and public festivals across Mexico, but accidents involving pyrotechnic materials have repeatedly caused deaths and injuries. Authorities have frequently warned about the risks linked to the storage and use of fireworks during large gatherings. (ILKHA)