At least 23 people have been confirmed dead following a powerful explosion at a supermarket in Hermosillo, northern Mexico, on Saturday.
Authorities say several of the victims were children, and 11 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Governor of Sonora State, Alfonso Durazo, announced the death toll in a video statement, describing the incident as tragic and assuring residents that the government has launched a thorough investigation.
“Sadly, a number of the victims we’ve found were minors,” Durazo said. “I have ordered an extensive and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and identify those responsible.”
The explosion occurred at a Waldo’s retail store in the city center. Preliminary findings suggest the blast may have been triggered by a faulty electrical transformer installed inside the building.
According to the state prosecutor’s office, investigators are treating the incident as accidental for now.
“The working assumption is that the incident was accidental, and the investigation is looking into a transformer located inside the store,” the statement read. Officials added that a clearer determination will be made once firefighters fully secure the building and permit entry.
Witness accounts and local media reports indicate that some customers attempted to take shelter inside the store after the initial blast but were trapped as flames spread quickly through the building. Images from the scene showed the store’s façade charred and its windows shattered.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences to bereaved families, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “I have been in contact with Governor Alfonso Durazo to provide support where needed. I have instructed the Interior Secretary to deploy a support team to assist affected families and the injured.”
Emergency services and security agencies were said to have responded “with great professionalism and commitment,” Governor Durazo noted, adding that efforts to rescue survivors and control the fire helped prevent further casualties.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid the scene as rescue and investigative operations continue. Public events scheduled in celebration of Mexico’s Day of the Dead holiday were canceled in the area out of respect for the victims.
