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A powerful blast ripped through a supermarket in Sonora, Mexico, killing at least 23 people, including several children.
The explosion, which injured at least 11 others, happened at a Waldo’s in Hermosillo as millions of Mexicans were celebrating the Day of the Dead.
Twelve women, five men, four boys, and two girls were among those killed, local radio station Uniradio Sonora reported.
Thick smoke filled the sky as firefighters put out the fire, while civilians ran away from the chaos.
The supermarket’s windows were blown out and the front was charred by the fire.
Newspaper El Universal reported that the explosion occurred about 2pm local time and that businesses closed their doors to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Sonora’s prosecutor’s office has ruled out a possible attack against civilians.
They said: ‘The working assumption is that the incident was accidental, and the investigation is looking into a transformer located inside the store.’
Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo said in a video message that ‘a number of the victims’ were minors and that survivors were being treated at nearby hospitals.
Durazo said: ‘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.’
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died on X.
She said: ‘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.’
People have taken to social media to share their condolences.
One Facebook user commented: ‘Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this unfortunate incident.. God bless you and a big hug from your brothers from Merida Yucatan.. Our solidarity to all of you.’
Another commented: ‘How sad, there’s no doubt that death can surprise us at any time. May God give a quick recovery to the injured and eternal rest to those who passed away.’
Waldo’s is a large Mexican discount store chain, founded in 1999, that sells a variety of products at an affordable price.
In a statement, the company said: ‘At Waldo’s, we deeply regret the incident in one of our stores in Hermosillo, which has resulted in the loss of human lives and injuries, according to preliminary reports from the authorities.
‘We express our solidarity with the affected individuals and their families.
‘Our team is working to provide them with the necessary support in these circumstances.’
Waldo’s have also said they will ‘collaborate transparently and responsibly as required’ as the incident is investigated by local authorities.
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