A devastating fire that swept through a discount shop in Hermosillo, Mexico, has claimed the lives of at least 23 individuals, with 11 others sustaining injuries, local officials have reported. The incident occurred on Saturday in the city center at a branch of Waldo’s, a prominent discount chain across Mexico.
While some authorities initially described the event as an explosion, the state’s public security secretariat has stated that it is not believed to be a deliberate act of violence. Governor Alfonso Durazo noted that the precise cause is still under investigation, and pledged a comprehensive inquiry to determine responsibility.
Tragically, the victims include children, with a 15-year-old girl among those hospitalized. Images from the scene depicted thick black smoke emanating from the building, with flames appearing to have spread to nearby vehicles. The aftermath revealed scorched doorways and windows, with at least one vehicle completely destroyed.
President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. The fire occurred during the Day of the Dead celebrations, a period of remembrance for loved ones. In response to the incident, the state government has canceled scheduled cultural events for Sunday.