Mexico City: A fire at a convenience store in north-western Mexico has killed at least 23 people, including children, and injured 12 others, state authorities say.
Images circulating on social media show a massive fire engulfing the Waldo’s store. One video showed a burned man collapsing onto the asphalt a few metres from the store entrance.
Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo said he had ordered an investigation to clarify the cause of the blaze in downtown Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora state.
Sonora Attorney-General Gustavo Salas Chávez provided the death toll and said the injured were taken to six hospitals in Hermosillo.
Preliminary investigations showed the deaths were caused by “inhalation of toxic gases”, he said, citing its forensic medical service.
“At this time, we have no indication that leads us to presume the fire was intentional,” he said, noting authorities had not ruled out any line of investigation.
Damaged vehicles in front of the convenience store destroyed by a fire in Hermosillo.Credit: AP
Mexico is celebrating the Day of the Dead this weekend with colourful festivities in which families honour and remember deceased loved ones.
“My heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives,” Mexican 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.
