Mexico City - The huge explosion at Mexico's largest fireworks market on Tuesday afternoon has killed at least 32 people and left a minimum of 70 others injured, the Mexico State police said Wednesday.

The explosion occurred at about 3 pm at the popular San Pablito fireworks market in Tultepec, a town on the outskirts of Mexico City, that's home to the country's best-known fireworks shopping. It was particularly full on Tuesday as many Mexicans buy fireworks to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

This was the third time in just over a decade that explosions have struck the popular marketplace in Tultepec. In late 2005, explosions struck the market days before Independence Day celebrations, injuring scores of people. Another explosion gutted the area again almost a year later.

A video of Tuesday's episode captured by a passing driver showed a chain reaction of explosions followed by enormous plumes of smoke.

Dozens of ambulances and fire trucks rushed to the site. Warning that the area had not been secured, officials asked people to stay away out of concern that there could be more explosions. Rescue workers continued to search the scene for victims.

Mexican officials, including President Enrique Peña Nieto and the Mexico State governor, Eruviel Ávila, said the federal and state authorities were working to identify the dead and help the wounded. The officials have asked for a full investigation from the state attorney's office.

Mr. Ávila said "the absolute priority" at the moment was treating the injured. He said all medical expenses would be taken care of. Three children who were severely injured, with burns covering as much as 70 percent of their bodies, were transferred to specialized hospitals in Galveston, Texas, he said.

Forty-six of the injured remain hospitalized, while 18 of the dead have yet to be identified due to the severe nature of their burns, said state interior minister Jose Manzur.

Manzur added the vast majority of the market's 300 stalls were completely destroyed. However, he noted that the site was inspected by safety officials last month and that no irregularities were found.