A devastating fire and explosion at a Waldo’s discount store in downtown Hermosillo, Mexico, claimed the lives of at least 23 people, including multiple children, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, as families gathered during Day of the Dead celebrations. The tragedy left 12 others injured, with six still hospitalized as of Sunday morning.

The blaze erupted at the convenience store located in the capital of Sonora state, sending massive flames engulfing the structure. Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo confirmed the incident in a video posted on social media, while Attorney General Gustavo Salas Chávez provided details on the death toll and injuries.

Preliminary investigations revealed that victims died from inhalation of toxic gases rather than burns. Salas Chávez stated that authorities currently have no indication suggesting the fire was intentional, though investigators have not ruled out any line of inquiry. Early reports from prosecutors indicate the fire may have originated in a transformer, but the exact cause remains under investigation.

Social media footage captured the horrific scene, showing flames consuming the Waldo’s store while black smoke poured from the structure. One particularly disturbing video depicted a burned man collapsing onto the pavement just meters from the store entrance as the inferno raged behind him.

The injured victims were transported to six different hospitals across Hermosillo for treatment. Medical teams worked through the weekend to stabilize patients, many suffering from severe smoke inhalation and burns. The incident occurred during one of Mexico’s most significant cultural celebrations, when families traditionally gather to honor deceased loved ones.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences to affected families in a public statement. She confirmed direct communication with Governor Durazo to coordinate support efforts and instructed Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez to dispatch a team to assist victims’ families and the injured.

The discount chain Waldo’s issued a statement lamenting the deaths and pledged full cooperation with authorities investigating the incident. The company expressed sympathy for the victims and their families while authorities worked to determine what sparked the deadly blaze.

The timing of the disaster added to the tragedy, as the Day of the Dead holiday typically brings increased foot traffic to stores as families purchase supplies for traditional celebrations. The observance, which runs from October 31 through November 2, is marked by gatherings at cemeteries, home altars adorned with photos and offerings, and festive meals honoring departed loved ones.

Downtown Hermosillo, a city of approximately 900,000 residents located about 170 miles south of the Arizona border, became the site of emergency response operations as firefighters battled the blaze. Local authorities coordinated with state and federal officials to manage the crisis and provide support to survivors.

The inclusion of children among the fatalities has intensified the emotional impact on the community. Families who lost loved ones face the dual trauma of grief during a holiday specifically devoted to remembering the dead, creating what many residents described as an unbearable confluence of mourning.

Emergency responders continue monitoring the six individuals who remain hospitalized, while forensic teams work to identify all victims and determine the precise sequence of events that led to the catastrophe. The toxic gas inhalation finding suggests victims may have been overcome quickly, potentially explaining why so many were unable to escape the structure.

State authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into safety protocols at the store, including fire suppression systems, emergency exits, and electrical infrastructure. The potential transformer malfunction has prompted scrutiny of maintenance records and building code compliance.

The disaster represents one of the deadliest single-incident fires in recent Mexican history. As the investigation proceeds, questions mount regarding whether preventable factors contributed to the high casualty count and what measures might prevent similar tragedies at commercial establishments throughout the country.