Mexican fireworks toll rises to 14

2013-03-17 08:10

(Picture: Shuttertstock)

Tlaxcala - The number of people killed when a small truck loaded with fireworks exploded during a religious procession in a central Mexican village, rose to 14 on Saturday, authorities said.

Scores more injured in Friday's tragedy were still being treated in hospitals, said Tlaxcala state Governor Mariano Gonzalez.

And "the figure we have now is 14 fatalities" plus 154 injured, of whom 74 were hospitalised, he told local media.

One witness said he saw "bodies flying" as people ran for cover after a stray firework landed on the truck in Jesus Tepactepec in the middle of a march for the village's patron saint.

Mexicans often set off fireworks during celebrations, but accidents have happened in the past due to the mishandling of the pyrotechnics or a lack of safety measures.

- SAPA