At least 23 killed, more than 11 injured; probe on

According to local media reports, a huge fire broke out after an explosion in a store in Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora state in northern Mexico; At least 23 people died and more than 11 people were injured.

The explosion occurred Saturday afternoon at a downtown branch of the Waldo’s department store chain. Eyewitnesses reported that the flames quickly spread through the building and nearby parked vehicles, leaving many people trapped inside before rescue teams arrived. Emergency response teams arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion and started search and rescue efforts, and at least 12 injured people were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

According to preliminary findings, it is stated that the explosion may have been caused by smoke coming from the faulty transformer. Authorities confirmed the victims suffered severe burns. Sonora officials later said there was no evidence of a terrorist attack.

The explosion follows a similar tragedy in September, when a gas tanker rolled over and exploded in Mexico City, killing three people and injuring more than fifty others. According to local authorities, the accident occurred at around 14.20 local time on Zaragoza Road under the Concordia Bridge. After the collision, the tanker carrying nearly 49,500 liters of fuel caught fire and 18 nearby vehicles were injured. According to the information obtained, 19 of the injured are in critical condition.

Authorities are still investigating both incidents as part of larger initiatives to raise safety standards in Mexico’s transportation and industrial sectors.