A fire that broke out at a discount shop in Mexico has killed at least 23 people and injured 11 others, local officials say.
The blaze occurred on Saturday in the northwest city of Hermosillo at a branch of Waldo's - Mexico's largest discount chain.
Multiple local authorities described the incident as an explosion, although Governor Alfonso Durazo stated that the exact cause remains undetermined. The Sonora state public security secretariat ruled out any possibility of it being an attack or acts of deliberate violence against civilians.
Children are among the victims, including a 15-year-old girl who was hospitalized.
Images from the scene show thick black smoke billowing from the building, with flames spreading to cars parked out front.
After the fire was extinguished, signs of scorch marks were visible on the shop's entrance and windows. One window appeared completely destroyed, and the vehicle closest was entirely burnt out.
In a video address, Durazo expressed his condolences, stating, To the families who lost a loved one... I share your pain and offer you my full solidarity. He added that an extraordinary, transparent, and thorough investigation has been initiated to uncover the circumstances of the incident and to identify those responsible.
Sonora state's Attorney General Gustavo Salas Chávez noted that most fatalities resulted from exposure to toxic gases. He stressed there was no evidence indicating the fire was intentionally set but did not rule out a further investigation into its cause.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her sorrow on social media, offering heartfelt condolences to the families impacted.
The fire incident coincides with the weekend of Mexico's Day of the Dead, a time when festivities are held to honor deceased loved ones. Following the tragedy, the state government announced the cancellation of cultural events scheduled for Sunday.
