World

Raging fire at Mexican fairground kills five, authorities say

By Reuters Reuters

Updated May 7, 2026 5:00 PM

A drone view shows the aftermath of a deadly fire at a large fairground venue where a music concert attended by thousands of people took place, in Villahermosa, Tabasco state, Mexico, May 7, 2026. REUTERS/Luis Manuel Lopez — A drone view shows the aftermath of a deadly fire at a large fairground venue where a music concert attended by thousands of people took place, in Villahermosa, Tabasco state, Mexico, May 7, 2026. REUTERS/Luis Manuel Lopez Luis Manuel Lopez Reuters

The mother-in-law of a victim leans on a fence in the aftermath of a deadly fire at a large fairground venue where a music concert attended by thousands of people took place, in Villahermosa, Tabasco state, Mexico, May 7, 2026. REUTERS/Luis Manuel Lopez — The mother-in-law of a victim leans on a fence in the aftermath of a deadly fire at a large fairground venue where a music concert attended by thousands of people took place, in Villahermosa, Tabasco state, Mexico, May 7, 2026. REUTERS/Luis Manuel Lopez Luis Manuel Lopez Reuters

State police officers operate at the scene in the aftermath of a deadly fire at a large fairground venue where a music concert attended by thousands of people took place, in Villahermosa, Tabasco state, Mexico, May 7, 2026. REUTERS/Luis Manuel Lopez — State police officers operate at the scene in the aftermath of a deadly fire at a large fairground venue where a music concert attended by thousands of people took place, in Villahermosa, Tabasco state, Mexico, May 7, 2026. REUTERS/Luis Manuel Lopez Luis Manuel Lopez Reuters

Members of the National Guard operate at the scene in the aftermath of a deadly fire at a large fairground venue where a music concert attended by thousands of people took place, in Villahermosa, Tabasco state, Mexico, May 7, 2026. REUTERS/Luis Manuel Lopez — Members of the National Guard operate at the scene in the aftermath of a deadly fire at a large fairground venue where a music concert attended by thousands of people took place, in Villahermosa, Tabasco state, Mexico, May 7, 2026. REUTERS/Luis Manuel Lopez Luis Manuel Lopez Reuters

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MEXICO CITY - At least five people died in a fire at a fairground in the southeastern Mexican city of Villahermosa on Thursday, authorities said, after the massive blaze broke out during a concert attended by thousands.

Authorities do not know what caused the fire, which erupted early on Thursday morning and is now under control, Civil Protection officials said.

Media outlets and social media users shared images showing dozens of people fleeing the scene as a column of black smoke enveloped the sky.

Tabasco state Governor Javier May expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, who he said included fair exhibitors unable to leave the premises in time.

May added in a message on X that investigations have begun to determine the fire's cause and announced an economic recovery program for affected merchants and businesses.

(Reporting by Raúl Cortés Fernández; Editing by Bill Berkrot)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 4:15 PM.