28 die in Mexico fireworks blaze

At least 28 people were killed and 50 injured as illegal fireworks stands exploded, spreading to a market packed with New Year revellers.

The blaze, in the Mexican port city of Veracruz, quickly engulfed an entire city block and killed at least 15 people, officials said.

Police and passers-by helped firefighters carry heavy hoses to the scene as they struggled to put out blazing cars, buildings and market stalls. Fireworks could be heard zipping through the air over the roar of the flames.

City fire spokesman Carlos Ortiz said at least 28 people were dead 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.

Ortiz said it was unclear how the blaze started, although there were 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 24, but backed down after stand owners beat them back with sticks and rocks, Ortiz said.

Fireworks explosions are common in Mexico, where people use sparklers, bottle rockets and small sticks of dynamite to celebrate holidays and special occasions. Many factories and stands operate illegally with few safety precautions.