Mexico City - More than 100 people are feared dead in the Mexican city of Celaya after a series of explosions caused by stockpiles of illegal fireworks on Sunday morning. Rescue workers were still searching for survivors last night.
The explosions occurred in the commercial area of Celaya, crowded at the time with people shopping for Sunday lunch. After the first explosion, hundreds of people hurried to the area to help, thus increasing the death toll when a further two explosions took place.
It is not clear whether the second and third explosions were caused by fireworks or by gas canisters in the vicinity.
It is illegal for private citizens in Mexico to handle or store fireworks. The fireworks that caused the blast are believed to have been left over from the Independence Day celebrations on September 15th.
At least 348 people were admitted to hospital, some with serious injuries from the blasts.