Huge fireworks market blast kills at least 26 in Mexico

TULTEPEC— A chain-reaction blast ripped through Mexico’s best-known fireworks market on the northern outskirts of the capital Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, injuring scores more.

The explosion leveled the open-air San Pablito Market in Tultepec in the middle of the afternoon as it bustled with shoppers stocking up on fireworks to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s.

It was the third devastating explosion and fire to ravage the market since 2005.

Traditionally, Mexico celebrate Christmas, New Year’s and other holidays by setting off noisy firecrackers and rockets.