On what should have been a festive weekend in Hermosillo, the capital of Mexico’s northern Sonora state, tragedy struck as a devastating explosion and fire tore through a popular downtown department store, leaving at least 23 people dead and a dozen more injured. The incident, which unfolded on Saturday, November 2, 2025, at a Waldo’s store, has sent shockwaves through the community and the nation, overshadowing the Day of the Dead celebrations that traditionally bring families together to honor loved ones.
According to a video message posted on social media by Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo, the explosion occurred in the early afternoon, quickly triggering a massive fire that engulfed the building. "At this moment we have registered 23 people killed, 11 injured. Sadly a number of the victims we've found were minors," Durazo stated, as reported by AFP. The governor’s voice carried the weight of the loss, emphasizing the profound impact on the community: "This is a sad day for Sonora, especially for the families who lost a loved one at the Hermosillo shopping centre."
Eyewitness accounts and images that quickly circulated on social media painted a harrowing picture—flames and thick smoke pouring from the store, the front of the supermarket charred, windows blown out, and even a burning car nearby. One particularly distressing video showed a burned man collapsing onto the asphalt just meters from the entrance, underscoring the chaos and the desperate attempts of customers and staff to escape the inferno.
Emergency services responded with remarkable speed and professionalism. The Sonora Red Cross reported deploying 40 staff members and 10 ambulances, shuttling the injured to six different hospitals in Hermosillo. In total, at least 12 people were hospitalized, many suffering from burns and the effects of toxic smoke. Local media noted that the fire spread rapidly, trapping several people inside and even threatening nearby vehicles and businesses. Quick action by neighboring shopkeepers, who closed their doors to prevent the fire from spreading, likely averted further disaster.
Governor Durazo, clearly moved by the tragedy, promised, "The State Government will take all necessary actions to support the families and individuals affected by the explosion that occurred at the Waldo’s store." He ordered an "extensive and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and figure out those responsible." The state’s attorney general, Gustavo Salas Chávez, provided further details, stating, "Preliminary investigations showed the deaths were caused by inhalation of toxic gases." He added, "At this time we have no indication that leads us to presume the fire was intentional," but authorities have not ruled out any line of investigation as they continue to examine the circumstances.
Local officials and the prosecutor’s office quickly clarified that there was no evidence suggesting the incident was an attack or related to a violent act against civilians. Instead, the working theory is that the catastrophe may have been caused by a malfunctioning transformer located inside the store. Some media outlets pointed to the possibility of an electrical failure as a contributing factor, although the investigation is ongoing. The city’s fire chief also noted that it was still being determined whether an explosion preceded the fire or if the fire itself led to a blast.
President Claudia Sheinbaum joined the chorus of condolences, posting on X (formerly Twitter), "My heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who perished in the fire at a shop in central Hermosillo." Sheinbaum stressed the federal government’s commitment to supporting the victims, announcing, "I have been in contact with the Sonora governor, Alfonso Durazo, to provide support where needed. I’ve instructed Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodriguez to send a support team in order to assist the families and the injured."
The timing of the disaster added another layer of heartbreak for many in Hermosillo and across Mexico. The explosion coincided with Day of the Dead festivities, a time when families gather to celebrate the lives of those who have passed. Instead of vibrant altars and joyful remembrance, the city was left mourning a sudden and senseless loss. As Reuters reported, "A festive holiday weekend turned tragic for families in northwestern Mexico on Saturday when a deadly blaze engulfed a discount store in the city center of Hermosillo."
Among the deceased were children, a fact that has deepened the sorrow and public outcry. The full list of victims has yet to be released, but officials have confirmed the presence of minors among both the dead and the injured. The state’s forensic medical service indicated that most of the deaths resulted from inhaling toxic gases, a detail that underscores the speed and intensity of the fire.
In the aftermath, the local community has rallied together. The Red Cross and other emergency organizations coordinated search-and-rescue operations, and city authorities have provided psychological and practical support to the grieving families. Six hospitals in Hermosillo received the injured, with medical staff working tirelessly to treat burns and other trauma. The city’s officials also took swift action to reassure the public, stating unequivocally that the Waldo’s store was not the target of any attack, and that all evidence so far points to a tragic accident.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities have made it clear that no possibility is being dismissed. The prosecutor’s office continues to examine the transformer inside the store, and forensic technicians are combing through the scene for clues. The city’s fire department is also reviewing whether an initial explosion triggered the blaze or if the sequence was reversed. As Governor Durazo put it, "Nobody will face this pain alone. From the very first moments, emergency, security and health services responded with great professionalism and commitment, controlling the situation and saving lives."
This incident is not without precedent. Local media drew comparisons to a recent tragedy in September, when a gas tanker truck exploded in Mexico City, killing three and injuring more than 50. While the two events are unrelated, they have reignited discussions about safety standards and emergency response protocols in public spaces and businesses across Mexico.
As the investigation continues, the people of Hermosillo—and the entire nation—are left grappling with grief and searching for answers. For now, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families, ensuring that those responsible for any negligence are held accountable, and preventing such a tragedy from happening again. The Day of the Dead, meant to be a celebration of life and memory, has instead become a somber reminder of how quickly both can be lost.
