Celaya fireworks disaster
On September 26, 1999, a stockpile of illegally stored fireworks and gunpowder exploded in the Mexican city of Celaya, killing 63 people and wounding several hundred.
| Date | September 26, 1999 |
|---|---|
| Time | 10:30 CST |
| Location | Celaya, Mexico |
| Type | Fireworks disaster |
| Deaths | 63 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 348 |
The disaster was caused by the detonation of four tons of fireworks and gunpowder[1] at about 10:30 local time,[2] which triggered several more explosions of either fireworks or nearby gas cylinders.[3] 52 people were initially killed in the explosions,[2] with eleven more later dying in hospitals.[1] 348 people were injured and hospitalized.[2]
Following the explosions, Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo announced that the government would conduct an investigation into the disaster.[3] Authorities later arrested five business inspectors accused of illegally issuing permits, an agent of the attorney general's office accused of abuse of authority by failing to report the illegal trade, and seven business owners accused of illegally possessing and selling fireworks.[1] Charges of being accessories to homicide were also brought against the inspectors and one of the business owners[1]
References
- The Associated Press (October 13, 1999). "More arrests made in Mexico's deadly fireworks blast". Amarillo Globe-News. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
- "56 Killed in Mexico Blasts Tied to Fireworks". The Los Angeles Times. September 27, 1999. Retrieved December 23, 2016.
- "Scores die in firework explosions". The Guardian. September 27, 2016. Retrieved December 23, 2016.