Deadly Supermarket Explosion in Northern Mexico Claims 23 Lives Including Children: Investigation Underway

In a tragic incident in northern Mexico, at least 23 individuals, including several children, lost their lives following an explosion at a supermarket on Saturday. According to investigators, the devastating blast appears to have been an accident, potentially triggered by a malfunctioning electric transformer.

Alfonso Durazo, governor of Sonora state, confirmed in a video statement: "Sadly a number of the victims we've found were minors." He expressed deep sorrow as he announced the death toll.

State Prosecutor Gustavo Salas reported that most casualties resulted from inhaling toxic gases released during the incident. While he confirmed that children were among the deceased, he provided no specific details as identification procedures were still underway.

In addition to the fatalities, 12 people sustained injuries and received medical treatment at hospitals in Hermosillo, the city where the explosion occurred.

Governor Durazo has "ordered an extensive and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and figure out those responsible." The prosecutor's office indicated in their statement that "the working assumption is that the incident was accidental, and the investigation is looking into a transformer located inside the store."

Prosecutor Salas later clarified that while there was no indication of intentional action, "we don't rule out any line of investigation."

The explosion took place at a Waldo's store in Hermosillo's city center. The supermarket chain released a statement on social media expressing "profound" sadness over the loss of life and pledged to work "transparently and responsibly" with authorities during the investigation.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum conveyed her condolences on X "to the families and loved ones of those who died." She added: "I have been in contact with the Sonora governor, Alfonso Durazo, to provide support where needed. I've instructed Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodriguez to send a support team in order to assist the families and the injured."

Governor Durazo assured the public that "nobody will face this pain alone. From the very first moments, emergency, security and health services responded with great professionalism and commitment, controlling the situation and saving lives."

According to Mexican media reports, customers sought shelter inside the store after the explosion occurred, only to become trapped by the ensuing flames. Images in local media depicted the building's facade blackened by fire with shattered windows.

El Universal newspaper reported that the explosion happened around 2:00 pm (2000 GMT), prompting nearby businesses to close their doors to prevent the fire from spreading.

Local authorities urged the public to avoid the area and canceled scheduled Day of the Dead holiday celebrations in response to the tragedy.