Mexico Religious Procession Fireworks Explode Leaving 13 Dead 154 Injured

By Dawn Cranfield

13 Dead and 154 Injured in Fireworks Explosion during Religious Procession in Mexico

In the Mexican municipality of Nativitas, a religious procession was disrupted when a truck carrying a substantial amount of fireworks was hit by celebratory fireworks that went amiss.  So far, the explosion killed at least 13 people and has injured 154.

Friday’s accident occurred when the village of 1,000 people were marching in a procession honoring Jesus Christ, “the patron of Jesus Tepactepec, a village of about 1,000 people, Mateo Morales said.” (ajc.com)

Tlaxcala Gov. Mariano Gonzalez has stated there was at least one child amongst the victims, but has not elaborated whether or not they were one of the fatalities.

According to a photographer on the scene, the carnage was spread over a 100-yard radius; leaving “human remains and burned clothes”, he further states there was even evidence of the accident on rooftops near the site.  (ajc.com)

Jesus Tepactepec is a small village located within the municipality of Nativitas, Tlaxcala (population 21,863), and approximately 70 miles east of Mexico City.  The village is known for the manufacturing of baskets and wood figures as well as other handicrafts.  Their annual religious celebration brings artisans for other local villages who come to sell their goods.

Many festivities such as holidays and religious events are celebrated with fireworks in Mexico, “but they often are manufactured, stored and transported under unsafe conditions, and the country sees periodic fatal explosions.” (ajc.com)

http://www.ajc.com/ap/ap/international/11-dead-dozens-hurt-in-mexico-fireworks-explosion/nWtF5/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/03/16/mexico-fireworks-deaths/1993505/