A deadly fire at a discount retail outlet in Hermosillo, Sonora, turned a weekend of Day of the Dead celebrations into a tragedy, leaving at least 23 people dead and injuring around a dozen others. The blaze erupted on Saturday in the busy city centre, catching shoppers and staff off guard during one of Mexico’s most culturally significant holidays. Officials confirmed that children were among those killed.
Governor Alfonso Durazo announced that a full, transparent investigation has been ordered to determine how the incident occurred. He noted that emergency crews responded quickly, but many victims succumbed before they could be rescued. According to preliminary forensic findings cited by state attorney general Gustavo Salas, most of the fatalities resulted from inhalation of toxic fumes rather than burns.
Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, shared condolences and said federal assistance teams were being deployed to support the injured and the families of the deceased. The Sonora Red Cross noted it had sent dozens of personnel and multiple ambulances to aid in the response.
Authorities reported that the fire has been extinguished, but the exact cause remains under examination. Early media reports suggested a possible electrical malfunction, though officials stressed that there was no indication that Waldo’s discount store was intentionally targeted. Fire department leaders also indicated they are still assessing whether an explosion may have occurred at the site.
