At least four men were killed in an explosion at a fireworks factory off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, authorities in the central state of Puebla said on Wednesday.
The explosion occurred on Tuesday in the Xiutetelco municipality of Puebla, near the border with neighboring Veracruz state.
Three of the men, including the owner of the workshop, died on the spot, according to the Puebla state interior ministry.
AN EXPLOSION AT AN ILLEGAL FIREWORKS LABORATORY IN MEXICO LEFT 7 DEAD, 15 WOUNDED
Another man died of his injuries at a local hospital and a fifth victim was seriously injured. Four of the five victims were in their 20s.
Four men were reported dead after an explosion at a fireworks store in central Mexico. (Fox News)
Fireworks explosions occur with disappointing frequency in Mexico, often in unlicensed workshops with few safety precautions. But officials said the most recent explosion occurred at a shop licensed and inspected by Mexico’s Ministry of Defense, which is responsible for regulating the industry.
Fireworks feature prominently in local festivals, which use everything from firecrackers and Roman candles to powerful rockets.
EXPLOSION AT FIREWORKS WAREHOUSE INJURES 18 IN THE PHILIPPINES
In March, a powerful explosion at an illegal fireworks factory near Mexico City left seven dead and 15 injured.
That explosion occurred at a house used to make fireworks in Morelos state, just south of the capital.
Legitimate production facilities must meet certain standards and be licensed by the country’s Ministry of Defense.
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In 2018, 24 people were killed in a fireworks explosion in the town of Tultepec north of Mexico City, the worst such explosion in recent memory.
