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21 December 2016•Update: 22 December 2016
By Nancy Cauoette
MEXICO CITY
The death toll from a fireworks explosion reached 32 Wednesday, officials said.
Forensic teams are investigating the San Pablito fireworks market in Tultepec, just outside of Mexico City, after it was rocked Tuesday as patrons were grabbing up fireworks for the Christmas and New Year’s holiday – a tradition in many Latin American countries.
“We don’t know yet what could have caused the explosion, but the attorney of the state of Mexico works with Mexico attorney general’s office so we expect that in the next few hours we will have an expert opinion on this,” Mexico state Secretary General Jose Manzur told a local radio station.
Six victims died at the hospital, according to authorities, while 26 were killed at the scene.
Police said 32 people are missing while 60 others were injured in the blast.
The death toll could still rise as cadaver dogs are being used to search for possible victims in the rubble.
The country’s attorney general opened an investigation late Tuesday to identify the cause of the blast, but authorities said 100 tons of fireworks detonated in a chain of six explosions.
A video posted on social media showed explosions, fire and heavy smoke coming from the market. Explosions could be heard in the background.
