23 killed in massive explosion at Mexico supermarket

By Isa Isawade

A fatal explosion leading to tragic deaths of about 23 people and severe injuries to a dozen others has been reported in northwestern Mexico.

Local media reported that families gathered on Saturday to celebrate the Day of the Dead when a deadly blaze engulfed a discount store in the city center of Hermosillo.

The festival is meant to honor and remember deceased loved ones.

Governor of the state of Sonora home to the city, Alfonso Durazo, said he had ordered a “thorough and transparent investigation to clarify the causes of the accident.”

He added that children were among the victims.

According to the state’s attorney general, Gustavo Salas, most of the deaths appeared to have been from inhalation of toxic gases.

Meanwhile, President Claudia Sheinbaum has condoled with the affected families.

“My heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives,” he said in a post on X.

The President added 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.

The cause of the fire, now doused, was still unclear, though some media blamed an electrical failure.

City officials are quoted to have said that the store, part of popular discount chain Waldo’s, was not the target of any attack.