Mexico ? A fire engulfed Mexico’s most famous fireworks market Thursday, setting off a chain of explosions in a town northeast of the nation’s capital that destroyed hundreds of open-air stands just ahead of Independence Day celebrations.

There were no reports of deaths and only three serious injuries reported by late afternoon, Mexico State Civil Defense Director Roberto Vazquez told The Associated Press.

He said hundreds were treated for cuts and bruises or shock after the explosions at the marketplace in Tultepec, a few miles from Mexico City.

Vendors at the San Pablito Market said signs warned against smoking and lighting the merchandise. Despite these warnings, a customer who had just purchased fireworks lit one and threw it, sparking a series of explosions that destroyed almost every structure in the area.

The explosion occurred hours before one of Mexico’s biggest annual displays, the midnight Independence Day festivities. Silva said Sept. 15 is the top-selling day of the year for fireworks.