Despite Explosions Mexico ’s Fireworks Capital Endures

TULTEPEC, Mexico (AP) — Luis Enrique Urban Gomez was tidying up at his family's fireworks storage shed like any other day when an explosion ripped through the warehouse next door, killing its owner, leaving Urban with second- and third-degree burns and wounding seven others. Nearly two months later, lying on a bed in his parents' home with bandages covering his torso and angry red scars on nearly his entire body, the 20-year-old was in good spirits and itching to be back in business making fireworks just as soon as his wounds are fully healed. "In spite of it all, it is a pleasure," Urban said. "It is a job with tradition ... something we decided to do when we were young." Urban's hometown of Tultepec, about an hour's drive north of downtown Mexico City, is famous as the fireworks production capital of the country, a place where there's always a sulfurous whiff to the air, "no smoking" signs are ubiquitous and untold thousands of multi-generation families make a living hand-crafting the explosives. It's also infamous for deadly explosions that happen with such regularity Mexicans long ago ceased to be surprised at news reports of clandestine workshops erupting and instead muse on social media about why people continue to ply such a dangerous trade in this city of 130,000-plus inhabitants. But Tultepequenses, as locals are known, are proud of their craft and see it as a part of their identity, a tradition they'll never give up. "When people...
Source: JEMS: Journal of Emergency Medical Services News - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Major Incidents News International Source Type: news