An explosion at a fireworks market outside Mexico City has killed at least 31 people, officials say.

More than 70 others were injured as the blast hit the San Pablito fireworks market in Tultepec, about 20 miles (32km) outside the city, reports the BBC.

Video from the scene showed a large number of fireworks rocketing into the air as they caught fire.

Dozens of paramedics and police attended the scene. The cause of the explosions is not yet known.

Locals have been told to avoid the area and keep roads clear.

Eruviel Avila, governor of the State of Mexico, said some children had suffered burns to more than 90 percent of their bodies and they were being sent to the US city of Galveston, Texas, for specialized treatment.

Most of those killed are so badly burned their bodies will have to be identified using DNA testing, he added.

Fireworks continued to explode after the initial blast, as smoke billowed from the area in thick black clouds. The market had contained up to 300 tons of fireworks, Mexican media reported.

Photos from police and medical personnel at the scene showed several injured people among the destroyed market stalls, with brick buildings scorched by the heat.
** 26 killed in Mexico fireworks blast

BDST: 1755 HRS, DEC 21, 2016
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