Mexico: Fireworks Market Explosion Death Toll Rises to 32 & 59 Injured

Mexico: Fireworks Market Explosion Death Toll Rises to 32 & 59 Injured

Forensic investigators are continuing to scour the charred remains of a fireworks market outside Mexico City for clues to what caused a series of massive blasts that killed at least 33 people, the third fiery accident there in 11 years.

Photo Source: CNN

The death toll from the massive explosion at Mexico's best-known fireworks market climbed to 32 on Wednesday as authorities worked to identify the dead and treat the dozens injured in the stunning incident.

Of the dead, 26 victims were found at the scene and six died at area hospitals, José Manzur, government secretary for the State of Mexico, said at a news conference Wednesday. Eighteen victims have yet to be identified, he said.

The explosion occurred at the open-air San Pablito market in Tultepec, in the State of Mexico. Officials said Wednesday that 59 people were wounded during the blasts, with 46 still in hospitals, five of them in grave condition.

The smell of fireworks, charred wood and burned plastic still filled the air a day after the explosions.

As investigators search the site, bodies lie side by side on the ground, covered in dust and ash.

"Everything was destroyed, it was very ugly and many bodies were thrown all over the place, including a lot of children. It's the worst thing I've ever seen in my life," said 24-year-old Angelica Avila, tears running down her face.

Avila spoke outside a nearby hospital on Tuesday night as she waited for an update on the health of her brother, a fireworks salesman, who she said was burned and also suffered a heart attack.

Ten of the dead have yet to be identified, according to a state government website.

State interior minister Jose Manzur said the vast majority of the market's 300 stalls were completely destroyed. However, he noted that the site was inspected by safety officials just last month and that no irregularities were found.