A horrific fire tore through a store in Mexico’s Sonora state on Saturday, leading to the confirmed deaths of at least 23 people, according to the state’s governor.
The devastating blaze erupted in downtown Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora. Governor Alfonso Durazo shared the grim news in a video on his official social media, confirming 11 additional injuries and noting that children were among those who perished. Local news outlets have identified the affected establishment as a Waldo’s branch, a prominent discount store chain across Mexico.
Governor Durazo has promptly ordered a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of this tragic inferno.
Meanwhile, the state’s Public Security department released a statement ruling out any foul play, indicating the fire was not the result of an attack.
This isn’t the first time Hermosillo has faced such a profound loss. In 2009, a fire at a local day care center tragically claimed the lives of 49 children, sparking widespread national outrage. Subsequent investigations revealed that locked emergency exits, the presence of highly flammable materials, and the absence of crucial fire alarms and sprinkler systems were significant factors contributing to that disaster.
Following the 2009 tragedy, over 20 individuals, including the facility’s owners and various municipal, state, and federal officials, were found guilty of negligence and homicide-related charges.