An explosion at an illegal fireworks stand in Veracruz obliterated a city block and killed at least 28 people in Mexico Tuesday.

People had crowded the marketplace to buy fireworks to celebrate New Year’s Eve. At least 50 people were injured, according to reports from local fire officials.

The fire spread between the Hidalgo and Unidad Veracruzana markets, two major shopping areas in Veracruz, some 150 miles east of Mexico City.

City officials had tried to close the fireworks stand earlier in the week but failed.

Fireworks explosions are common in Mexico, where many fireworks stands and factories operate illegally and unsafely.

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