- A massive fire swept through the Medina Concepción open-air market in San Pedro Sula, injuring several people and razing dozens of stalls.
- Local reports say flames began in a section selling fireworks, with videos showing explosions as police and firefighters struggled to contain the blaze.
- Authorities reported 50 to 100 stalls destroyed, leaving many vendors and dozens of families facing severe economic losses during peak holiday sales.
- Several victims, including two children and a pregnant woman with serious burns, were hospitalized, while others suffered smoke inhalation.
SAN PEDRO SULA, HONDURAS — A massive fire tore through a crowded open-air market in northern Honduras on Monday, injuring several people and reducing dozens of vendor stalls to ashes. Authorities say the blaze may have started near fireworks stands, but the exact cause remains under investigation.
Blaze Erupts in Fireworks Section
The fire broke out in the Medina Concepción market in San Pedro Sula, a major commercial hub near the Caribbean coast. According to early reports, the flames began spreading rapidly from an area of the market where fireworks were reportedly being sold, a common sight in the region ahead of New Year’s celebrations.
Local outlets including HCH Noticias captured dramatic footage showing fireworks exploding in all directions as the blaze intensified. Eyewitness videos also showed vendors and shoppers fleeing in panic while police and firefighters attempted to control the chaos.
Dozens of Stalls Destroyed
Authorities have not yet provided an official damage estimate, but local media reported that between 50 and 100 stalls were destroyed in the fire. Several vendors lost all of their merchandise, and dozens of families are now facing economic devastation during the peak holiday sales period.
“This is a heartbreaking loss. Many here rely on this market to survive,”
— Local vendor (via HCH)
As the fire consumed the tightly packed wooden stalls, responders worked to clear the area and keep the flames from spreading to adjacent structures. It took multiple fire brigades and national police several hours to bring the situation under control.
Children and Pregnant Woman Injured
Officials confirmed that several people were injured, including two children and a pregnant woman, all of whom were transported to a local hospital with serious burn injuries. Additional victims reportedly suffered from smoke inhalation, but a full injury count has not yet been released.
Medical teams from nearby hospitals and emergency services remained on site throughout the day, providing assistance to survivors.
Cause Under Investigation
While many witnesses blamed mishandled fireworks for triggering the inferno, Honduran authorities have not yet officially confirmed the cause. A full investigation is underway, and forensic teams are expected to examine the origin point once the area has cooled and is deemed safe.
The Policía Nacional de Honduras is coordinating with local fire authorities to assess damages and determine whether safety violations or illegal fireworks sales played a role.
For more stories on holiday-related fires and market disasters, check out our video here:
