A fire at a discount store in northwestern has killed at least 23 people and injured another 11, the state governor said on Sunday.
The fire ripped through an outlet of Waldo’s, Mexico’s chain of dollar-format stores, on Saturday in Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora state.
“The explosion that occurred in the Waldo’s store in the center of Hermosillo has left a profound sadness in all Sonorenses,” Governor Alfonso Durazo said during a video briefing published on social media.
“At the moment, there are 23 people dead and 11 injured who are being treated in different hospitals in the city. Unfortunately, there are children among the victims,” Durazo added.
The governor said he ordered an “exhaustive and transparent investigation to clarify the causes of the fire, and determine who is responsible.” “We will do so with seriousness, with truth, and with justice,” Durazo said.
Most deaths appear to be linked to exposure to toxic gas
Most of the deaths appeared to have been from inhalation of toxic gases, said Gustavo Salas, the state’s attorney general, citing its forensic medical service.
“My heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said in a post on X, adding that she had directed support teams to be sent to help victims’ families and the injured.
Sonora’s Red Cross said its 40 staff and 10 ambulances joined in the effort, making six trips to the hospital.
City officials said the store was not the target of an attack.
Edited by: Karl Sexton
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