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Rabat – Local authorities in the province of Settat near Casablanca announced the death of a 17-year-old following the explosion of a mini gas cylinder that was used during Ashura celebrations on Thursday night.
Last night marked traditional Ashura celebrations, which fall on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram.
During the celebrations, many young people use illegal firecrackers and fireworks, which are considered risky for the well-being of children and adults alike.
Local authorities said some young people engaged in “reckless behavior” as part of their Ashura celebrations, using a small gas cylinder.
“A group of people, including many minors, set rubber wheels on fire while committing actions that posed a great threat to the safety of people” in one of Settat’s streets, local authorities said.
A small gas bottle was thrown at the fire, which led to an explosion, leaving two minors seriously injured.
One of the victims died while the other remains in critical condition under medical monitoring at the Hassan II Regional Hospital in Settat.
Investigations are underway to determine the circumstances of the case and identify those responsible for the incident for prosecution.
Videos that went viral online show several similar incidents across Morocco, with reckless celebrations and areas being set on fire.
Prior to the Ashura festivities, Moroccan authorities carried out security operations during which thousands of firecrackers were seized.
The latest operation was on July 24, when police seized a batch of over 30,000 units of firecrackers as well as $3,800 in possession of a 52-year-old man and his son.
The suspects were caught red-handed trafficking the smuggled firecrackers in Casablanca.
During search operations, police found many pieces of equipment that are especially used for making firecrackers and fireworks.
The seized equipment included 49 liters of chemical products, 13.76 kilograms of potassium nitrate, 14 kilograms of sodium nitrate, tens of plastic containers, as well as many other hazardous chemicals.
