Video: Peru blows up 21 tonnes of illegal fireworks

Peru blows up the fireworks (Olivia Jack/YouTube)
Peru blows up the fireworks (Olivia Jack/YouTube)

Peru has blown up 21 tonnes of illegal fireworks, in a display that lit up the sky with explosions.

The massive pile was detonated by the Andean country's arms control body - the National Superintendency of Control of Security Services, Arms, Ammunition and Explosives for Civil Use (SUCAMEC).

"This is the most important burning of explosives carried out in the history of SUCAMEC," Juan Dulanto, who oversaw the explosion, told The Independent.

"It is unlikely to be repeated - nearly 21 tonnes, which is a significant amount of stock, we have taken from the market."

Peru has cracked down on fireworks after 300 people died in a 2001 fireworks warehouse fire. Offenders now face large fines and jail time.

Newshub.