Horrific explosion at Mexico supermarket kills 23, including children; more than 11 injured

News Topical, Digital Desk : A massive explosion at the Waldo Store in Hermosillo, Mexico, on Saturday claimed the lives of at least 23 people. Children were among the dead. Eleven people were injured in the accident and have been admitted to city hospitals. Local officials said that relief and rescue operations were immediately launched at the scene and the injured were given immediate medical assistance.

Order for a transparent investigation

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

"No one should bear this pain alone. The emergency, security and health services acted professionally from the start and saved many lives," he said.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased in a post on Instagram. She contacted the governor of Sonora and assured him of all possible assistance. The president directed Interior Secretary Rosa Isela Rodriguez to send a relief team to assist the families and the injured.

What was the reason for the explosion?

Local officials clarified that this 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 many of the deaths were caused by inhaling toxic gas.

Some media reports have linked the fire to an electrical fault. Authorities 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.

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