At least 23 individuals lost their lives and 11 others sustained injuries following a significant explosion at a Waldo’s discount store in Hermosillo, the capital of Mexico’s northwestern state of Sonora, on Saturday afternoon.
The explosion occurred around 2 p.m., igniting a large fire that consumed the store, turning what was anticipated to be a festive holiday weekend into a disaster. Local businesses rapidly closed to prevent the flames from spreading.
Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo confirmed that several victims were minors and reported that those injured were receiving care at hospitals. The majority of fatalities resulted from toxic fume inhalation, according to Gustavo Salas, the state’s attorney general.
Authorities have excluded the possibility of foul play, noting that there was no indication of an “attack” or “violent act.” The investigation into the explosion’s cause is ongoing. “I have ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and hold those responsible accountable,” Durazo stated, assuring that emergency services responded quickly to manage the situation and save lives.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on X (formerly Twitter), mentioning her communication with Governor Durazo and instructing Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez to send a federal support team to assist victims and their families.
The disaster coincided with the Day of the Dead celebrations, a time when Mexicans honor deceased loved ones, serving as a stark reminder of how quickly joy can turn to sorrow. Local media captured images of the supermarket’s exterior, heavily charred and with shattered windows from the explosion’s force.
The tragedy is a grave event in a season typically characterized by vibrant festivities. The incident’s full implications remain under investigation, with state authorities seeking to ensure accountability.
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