President Sheinbaum Calls for Thorough Investigation into Deadly Hermosillo Waldo's Explosion

Deadly Explosion Rocks Hermosillo Discount Store

A catastrophic explosion and subsequent fire at a Waldo's discount store in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, has resulted in the deaths of at least 23 people, including children, and left 12 others injured. The incident occurred in downtown Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora state, during the busy Day of the Dead weekend, when the store was crowded with shoppers.

Preliminary investigations point to a transformer inside the store as the origin of the blaze. Witnesses reported a series of power outages followed by surges just before the explosion. Sonora Attorney General Gustavo Salas Chávez stated that most of the fatalities were due to the inhalation of toxic gases, rather than burns. Authorities have ruled out the possibility of an intentional attack.

President Sheinbaum Demands Accountability and Support for Victims

Following the tragic event, President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. She confirmed that she has been in direct communication with Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo to coordinate support efforts and has instructed Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodríguez to dispatch a federal team to assist the affected families and the injured.

President Sheinbaum has called for a thorough investigation to determine the exact causes of the explosion and to assign responsibility. She emphasized that the primary responsibility lies with the business owners, stating, 'The first responsibility is of whoever owns a business.' She underscored the importance of a comprehensive probe into the transformer's condition and the operational circumstances of the store to ensure justice and prevent future tragedies.

Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns

The State Attorney General's Office (FGJE Sonora) is actively investigating the incident, including reviewing the store's licensing and permits. Reports have highlighted potential irregularities, such as the improper installation of the transformer indoors and a lack of an emergency exit, which a risk management consultant described as 'very grave violations' that should have led to the establishment's closure.

In response to the disaster, Waldo's corporate office issued a statement lamenting the deaths and pledging full cooperation with authorities. The company expressed its willingness to assume responsibility and provide support to the victims' families. Furthermore, municipal and state authorities have suspended all Waldo's branches in Sonora for inspections, and the heads of both state and municipal Civil Protection have been removed from their positions, signaling a serious commitment to addressing safety protocols and accountability.