Mexico Supermarket Blast Kills 23, Including Children; Probe Underway

At least 23 people — among them several children — were killed and 11 others injured after an explosion ripped through a Waldo’s supermarket in Hermosillo, northern Mexico, on Saturday, local officials confirmed. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo said in a video statement that “a number of the victims were minors,” and pledged a full and transparent investigation to determine the cause of the blast and identify any responsibility.

“From the very first moments, emergency, security and health services responded with professionalism and commitment, controlling the situation and saving lives,” Durazo said, adding that no affected family would be left without support.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences on X and said she had instructed federal officials to assist state authorities and the victims’ families.

Cause Still Unclear

Authorities have ruled out an intentional attack or any link to violence. Gustavo Salas, Sonora’s attorney general, said initial forensic reports suggest many deaths were caused by inhalation of toxic gases rather than burns or injuries from debris.

Investigators are examining whether an electrical failure — possibly involving a transformer inside the store — triggered the incident. Fire officials noted they were still working to confirm whether an explosion actually occurred or whether the structure collapsed due to a fire.

The Sonora prosecutor’s office said access to the site would only be allowed once firefighters deem it safe, after which the exact cause can be formally established.