【2004 Archives】

A gigantic chain-reaction explosion has ripped through Mexico's best-known fireworks market in Tultepec004 Archives on the northern outskirts of the capital, killing at least 29 people.

A dramatic video, filmed by a motorist on a nearby highway ramp, showed the moment the blast sent huge clouds of smoke, fire and fireworks into the air:

After the explosion, a huge plume of charcoal-gray smoke could be seen billowing in the sky.

This drone footage, originally streamed on Facebook, shows an overhead view of the open-air bazaar, reduced to ashes, rubble and charred metal of fireworks stands.

State officials said 72 people were being treated for injuries, including for severe burns, in some cases over 90% of their bodies. Ten children were among those taken to hospital.

Local media reported there were 300 tonnes of fireworks on site at the time of the explosion. More than 80% of the 300 stalls were reportedly destroyed.

President Enrique Peña Nieto tweeted condolences to “those who lost their lives.” while the Mexican Red Cross said they deployed ten ambulances and fifty paramedics to the scene.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

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