A powerful explosion and fire at a Waldo's convenience store in downtown Hermosillo, Sonora, killed at least 23 people and injured 12. Officials say preliminary findings point to deaths from inhalation of toxic gases, and investigators have not found evidence the blaze was intentional. Governor Alfonso Durazo and President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged support and ordered a full investigation. Local Day of the Dead events were canceled and emergency teams remain on the scene.
Deadly Explosion and Blaze at Hermosillo Convenience Store Kills at Least 23, Including Children
A powerful explosion and fire at a Waldo's convenience store in downtown Hermosillo, Sonora, killed at least 23 people and injured 12. Officials say preliminary findings point to deaths from inhalation of toxic gases, and investigators have not found evidence the blaze was intentional. Governor Alfonso Durazo and President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged support and ordered a full investigation. Local Day of the Dead events were canceled and emergency teams remain on the scene.
19:20, 02.11.2025Society
Explosion and Fire Devastate Downtown Hermosillo Convenience Store
A powerful explosion and resulting fire at a Waldo's convenience store in downtown Hermosillo, Sonora, killed at least 23 people — including children — and injured 12 others, local officials said. The blast occurred on Saturday afternoon and left the area with widespread damage and distress.
Governor Alfonso Durazo said in a social media video that emergency, security and health services responded immediately. "Regrettably, several of those we have located are minors," he said, adding that the injured were taken to hospitals in Hermosillo.
Sonora Attorney General Gustavo Salas Chávez told reporters that preliminary investigations indicate the deaths were caused by inhalation of toxic gases, according to the Associated Press. He added that investigators have found no current evidence to suggest the blaze was intentional, though all lines of inquiry remain open.
"I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and identify those responsible," Governor Durazo said.
Videos and images circulating online showed massive flames consuming the store; one clip captured a badly burned man collapsing on the asphalt a short distance from the entrance. Local media reported the explosion occurred at about 2:00 p.m., and some nearby businesses closed to prevent the fire from spreading.
President Claudia Sheinbaum offered condolences on social media and said she had been in contact with Governor Durazo. She said she instructed Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez to send a support team to assist families and the injured.
Authorities urged the public to avoid the area while crews worked to secure the scene. Officials also canceled planned local Day of the Dead celebrations out of respect for the victims and to facilitate emergency operations.
What’s next: State investigators continue the probe into the cause of the explosion and the full circumstances that led to the high number of casualties. Authorities have promised a transparent inquiry and support for affected families.