A store fire in Hermosillo killed 23, officials said

A fire that broke out at a discount store in Mexico has killed at least 23 people and injured 11 others, local authorities said.

The fire broke out on Saturday in the center of the northwestern city of Hermosillo in a branch of Waldo’s – the largest discount chain in Mexico.

Multiple local authorities described the incident as an explosion, although regional governor Alfonso Durazo said the exact cause had not yet been determined. Sonora’s state secretariat for public security said it had ruled out the possibility that it was an attack or an act of deliberate violence against civilians.

Children were among the victims, officials said, with a 15-year-old girl among those taken to hospital.

Images from the scene showed thick, black smoke billowing from the building, with flames appearing to have spread to cars parked outside the store.

After the fire was extinguished, traces of burnt doors and windows of the shop can be seen, one of which appears to be completely destroyed. The car directly in front of this window is completely burnt.

“To the families who have lost a loved one … I share your pain and offer you my full solidarity,” Durazo said in a video address.

He added that an “extraordinary, transparent and thorough” investigation had been launched to clarify the causes of the incident and establish who was responsible.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on social media: “My heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.”

Waldo stores are a common sight on the high streets of Mexico with hundreds of stores across the country.

The fire comes over the weekend as Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead, where celebrations are held for people to honor deceased loved ones.

The state government said it was canceling cultural events planned for Sunday following the incident.