At least 28 people have been killed and 50 injured after an illegal fireworks stand exploded in Mexico.
The blaze, in the Mexican port city of Veracruz, quickly spread to a market packed with New Year revellers, officials said.
Police and passers-by helped firefighters carry hoses to the scene as they struggled to put out blazing cars, buildings and market stalls.
A city fire spokesman said at least 28 people were killed and 50 were injured, most from smoke inhalation.
The fire broke out in the early evening at outdoor street stands and spread rapidly to a nearby enclosed market, he said.
It was unclear how the blaze started, although there are reports that a passer-by threw a cigarette at a stand. The fire raged between the Hidalgo and Unidad Veracruzana markets, two major shopping areas in the city 185 miles east of Mexico City.
City officials had tried to shut down the fireworks stands on December 24th, but to no avail.
AP
