At least 23 people have been killed in a devastating fire that swept through a discount shop in Hermosillo, Mexico's northwestern city, officials confirmed on Saturday. The blaze, which broke out at the Waldo's store, left 11 others injured and is considered one of the deadliest fires to hit the country.
The cause of the incident remains unclear, although local authorities described it as an explosion. Regional Governor Alfonso Durazo said that the exact cause had yet to be determined, but he ruled out the possibility that it was an attack or act of deliberate violence against civilians.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke billowing from the building, with flames spreading to cars parked in front of the shop. After the fire was extinguished, scorch marks could be seen rising from the shop's doors and windows, some of which appeared completely destroyed.
Children were among those killed in the disaster, including a 15-year-old girl who was taken to hospital. The Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, calling for an "extraordinary, transparent, and thorough" investigation into the cause of the fire and the identity of those responsible.
The incident occurred on the weekend when Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead, a holiday where festivities are held to honour deceased loved ones. The state government has cancelled cultural events planned for Sunday after the incident, citing a need for solemn reflection and mourning.
The cause of the incident remains unclear, although local authorities described it as an explosion. Regional Governor Alfonso Durazo said that the exact cause had yet to be determined, but he ruled out the possibility that it was an attack or act of deliberate violence against civilians.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke billowing from the building, with flames spreading to cars parked in front of the shop. After the fire was extinguished, scorch marks could be seen rising from the shop's doors and windows, some of which appeared completely destroyed.
Children were among those killed in the disaster, including a 15-year-old girl who was taken to hospital. The Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, calling for an "extraordinary, transparent, and thorough" investigation into the cause of the fire and the identity of those responsible.
The incident occurred on the weekend when Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead, a holiday where festivities are held to honour deceased loved ones. The state government has cancelled cultural events planned for Sunday after the incident, citing a need for solemn reflection and mourning.
This is so sad... like 23 people lost their lives in that fire 
. It's crazy how fast it spread and how many were hurt 
. I'm not sure what happened at Waldo's store but it feels like there might be some major investigation happening soon 
. The fact that kids were among the victims is really tough to hear 
. Mexico needs some time to mourn their losses, so cancelling cultural events on Sunday is probably a good idea 
. Maybe they can find out what happened and make sure something like this never happens again 
23 people dead in a fire at a discount shop? it's just horrific to think about all those innocent lives lost. my thoughts are with the families of the victims 
and I hope they get the support they need during this tough time 
. the authorities should get to the bottom of it ASAP so we can find out what really went down 
. It's so sad to hear that children were among those affected - 15-year-old girls shouldn't have to go through something like this 
.
what's going on in mexico rn? 23 people dead from this huge fire at waldo's discount shop in hermosillo! 
. cant believe kids were among those affected too 
. dont know what happened but hopefully the investigation finds out ASAP 
. so sad about this incident, esp on a day when mexico's celebrating the dead 
. need some time to process and grieve 
. And why did they have to cancel cultural events because of this? The Day of the Dead celebrations are supposed to be a time for loved ones, not fear and uncertainty 
. Can't we just get to the bottom of this investigation without having to cancel plans? It's just so frustrating 
.
. Seriously though, Mexico, I feel bad for you. Can't imagine walking into a shop full of discounted goodies just to get incinerated. Hope they figure out what happened soon so the families can at least have some closure.
. I keep thinking about all those families who lost their loved ones in that fire. It's crazy to think it happened on the Day of the Dead, when people are already celebrating the lives of their loved ones who've passed away. The Mexican President is right, we need to get to the bottom of what happened here and make sure everyone is held accountable 
. I hope they can find a way to support all these families in this tough time 
. 23 people lost their lives because of an explosion at a discount shop 
. Can you imagine the panic and chaos that must have erupted? It's like a nightmare come true 
, but let's not forget the importance of community support and empathy 
.
It's crazy to think about families being affected by this disaster. I feel bad for those who were injured, too. My heart goes out to the victims' loved ones, especially the family of that 15-year-old girl... 
What was going on in Mexico during the Day of the Dead celebrations that would cause something like this? 
. And can we talk about the community coming together for those who lost their loved ones? It's a tough time, but people are rallying around each other 
. The fact that they cancelled cultural events is actually kinda cool... I mean, when do you get to slow down and reflect on life and love like that? 
️ Let's take a moment to remember those who passed away, but also let's not forget the strength of the human spirit 
.
23 lives lost is just crazy can you imagine the families of those kids who got taken away from them so suddenly? it's just not fair. and now they're having to deal with mourning and reflection instead of joy and celebration 
.