At least 23 people, including several children, have been killed after a powerful explosion ripped through a supermarket in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. The blast, which occurred at a Waldo's discount store on Thursday afternoon, also left at least 11 others injured.
The explosion happened as millions of Mexicans were celebrating the Day of the Dead. According to local radio station Uniradio Sonora, the victims included 12 women, five men, four boys, and two girls. The force of the blast blew out the supermarket's windows and charred its front, with thick smoke filling the sky as firefighters battled the blaze.
Sonora's prosecutor's office has ruled out an attack, stating that the working assumption is that the incident was accidental and that investigators are looking into a transformer located inside the store. Businesses in the area closed their doors to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo confirmed in a video message that a number of the victims were minors and that survivors were being treated at nearby hospitals. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences and said she had instructed the interior secretary to send a support team to assist families and the injured.
Waldo's, a large Mexican discount store chain, released a statement expressing deep regret and solidarity with those affected, adding that they would collaborate transparently with authorities as the investigation continues.
