At least 23 people, including children, were killed and dozens injured after a massive fire broke out at a discount store in Hermosillo, a city in Mexico’s northwestern Sonora state.
The tragedy struck on Friday night, turning a festive weekend into mourning. Across Mexico, people were celebrating the “Day of the Dead”, a traditional holiday honoring deceased loved ones.
Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo said he has ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation to determine the cause of the fire. According to the state’s Attorney General Gustavo Salas, most of the victims died from inhaling toxic smoke.
Photos circulating on social media show several cars outside the store also damaged by the flames.
Expressing deep sorrow, President Claudia Sheinbaum extended condolences to the victims’ families and the injured, and said she has sent support teams to assist those affected.
The Sonora Red Cross reported that 40 personnel and 10 ambulances were deployed to the scene.
Although the fire has been brought under control, the exact cause remains unknown. Local media reports suggest that an electrical fault may have triggered the blaze.
City officials confirmed that the popular discount chain store, Waldo’s, was not the target of any attack. The Hermosillo fire department chief said authorities are also investigating whether an explosion occurred during the incident.