A fire that broke out at a discount shop in Mexico has killed at least 23 people and injured 11 others, local officials say. The blaze ignited on Saturday in the center of the north-western city of Hermosillo at a branch of Waldo's - Mexico's largest discount chain.
Multiple local authorities described the incident as an explosion, although regional Governor Alfonso Durazo mentioned that the precise cause had yet to be determined. The Sonora state public security secretariat ruled out the possibility it was an attack or act of deliberate violence against civilians. Children are among the victims, including a 15-year-old girl taken to the hospital.
Images from the scene depict thick black smoke and flames that appear to have spread to cars parked in front of the shop. After extinguishing the fire, scorched marks were visible rising from the shop's doors and windows, with one window completely destroyed and the car parked in front of it burnt out.
To the families who lost a loved one... I share your pain and offer you my full solidarity, Durazo said in a video address. He announced that an extraordinary, transparent and thorough investigation is underway to clarify the causes of the incident and identify those responsible.
Sonora's Attorney General Gustavo Salas Chávez said most victims died due to exposure to toxic gases and emphasized that there is no indication of intentional fire setting, but investigations will continue.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences through social media, and local stores like Waldo's, a common sight across Mexico, face scrutiny in light of the tragedy. The horrific incident coincided with the weekend when Mexico honors the Day of the Dead, leading the state government to cancel planned cultural events.
Multiple local authorities described the incident as an explosion, although regional Governor Alfonso Durazo mentioned that the precise cause had yet to be determined. The Sonora state public security secretariat ruled out the possibility it was an attack or act of deliberate violence against civilians. Children are among the victims, including a 15-year-old girl taken to the hospital.
Images from the scene depict thick black smoke and flames that appear to have spread to cars parked in front of the shop. After extinguishing the fire, scorched marks were visible rising from the shop's doors and windows, with one window completely destroyed and the car parked in front of it burnt out.
To the families who lost a loved one... I share your pain and offer you my full solidarity, Durazo said in a video address. He announced that an extraordinary, transparent and thorough investigation is underway to clarify the causes of the incident and identify those responsible.
Sonora's Attorney General Gustavo Salas Chávez said most victims died due to exposure to toxic gases and emphasized that there is no indication of intentional fire setting, but investigations will continue.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences through social media, and local stores like Waldo's, a common sight across Mexico, face scrutiny in light of the tragedy. The horrific incident coincided with the weekend when Mexico honors the Day of the Dead, leading the state government to cancel planned cultural events.
