Mexico: Explosion killed 23 at Supermarket in Hermosillo; Several injured

Sonora state Governor Alfonso Durazo said in a video message that many of the deceased were minors. He has ordered a transparent investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and punish those responsible.

New Delhi: A massive explosion at a Waldo store in the Mexican city of Hermosillo on Saturday killed at least 23 people. Children were among the dead. Eleven people were injured in the accident and have been admitted to city hospitals. Local authorities said that relief and rescue operations were immediately launched at the scene and the injured were provided immediate medical assistance.

Transparent investigation ordered
Sonora state Governor Alfonso Durazo said in a video message that many of the deceased were minors. He has ordered a transparent investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and punish those responsible.

"No one will suffer this pain alone. The emergency, security, and health services acted professionally from the beginning and saved many lives," she said.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased in an email post. She contacted the Governor of Sonora and assured them of all possible assistance. The President directed Interior Secretary Rosa Isela Rodriguez to send an aid team to assist the families and injured.

What caused the explosion?
Local authorities clarified that it was not an attack or a violent incident. The city's fire department chief said an investigation was underway to determine whether an explosion actually occurred. Sonora's Attorney General, Gustavo Salas, citing forensic reports, said that many of the deaths were caused by inhaling toxic gas.

Some media reports linked the fire to an electrical fault. Officials say an electric transformer inside the store may have caused the accident. The Sonora Prosecutor's Office said in a statement that preliminary estimates indicate it was an accident. The investigation is ongoing.

New Delhi. A massive explosion at the Waldo store in the Mexican city of Hermosillo on Saturday killed at least 23 people. Children were among the dead. Eleven people were injured in the accident and were admitted to city hospitals. Local officials said relief and rescue operations were immediately launched at the scene and the injured received immediate medical attention.

Transparent Investigation Ordered
Sonora State Governor Alfonso Durazo said in a video message that many of the deceased were minors. He has ordered a transparent investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and punish those responsible.