28 killed in illegal fireworks inferno.(Chicago Tribune)

Byline: Hugh Dellios

MEXICO CITY _ At least 28 people burned to death in the port city of Veracruz when an inferno was ignited by tons of illegally stored fireworks, once again turning Mexico's love of pyrotechnics into deadly chaos at New Year's.

Among the dead in the blaze that engulfed an entire city block of market stalls, parked cars and nearby buildings were 13 people incinerated while cowering inside the clothing shop where they worked as firefighters struggling to control the blaze dodged exploding rockets, flying debris and flames 100 feet high.

A repeat of a tragedy that visits Mexico all too often, the fire once again sparked criticism of authorities for failing to enforce laws against the unregulated sale and storage of bottle rockets, firecrackers and other exploding devices that are a staple of Mexican celebrations.

Veracruz officials had asked police last week to evict the illegal market vendors from the popular shopping area. But when police tried to raid the area on Christmas Eve, the vendors fought them off with sticks and rocks and blocked the roads into the market.

"We are all responsible," Veracruz Mayor Jose Ramon Gutierrez told Televisa television. "Let this serve as an example."

Officials searching the smoldering ruins Wednesday said the death toll could rise. Dozens of people were still unaccounted for. More than 40 others were injured, many from smoke inhalation.