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7 November 2025
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Fire and explosion at store in northwestern Mexico leave at least 23 dead and a dozen injured
A fire and explosion at a convenience store in northwestern Mexico killed at least 23 people, including children and injured 12 others, state authorities said. The fire occurred in downtown Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora state, Sonora Gov. Alfonso Durazo said in a video posted on social media. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, 1 November 2025, has drawn widespread attention and raised questions about fire safety standards, emergency response capabilities and the increasing frequency of such disasters in the region. The fire, which began in a commercial building, swiftly escalated into a deadly explosion, engulfing the structure and spreading flames to surrounding areas.
The fire broke out late in the afternoon in a warehouse-style store located in a commercial district of Hermosillo. The store, which sold industrial and household goods, was reportedly storing large quantities of highly flammable materials, which may have contributed to the intensity of the fire and subsequent explosion.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started on the ground floor of the building and spread rapidly. Employees and customers inside the store initially tried to escape but the flames quickly overwhelmed the structure, blocking exit routes and trapping people inside.
As firefighters rushed to the scene, an explosion rocked the building, sending debris and flames into nearby streets. The explosion was so powerful that it was felt several blocks away, prompting nearby residents to call emergency services and evacuate the area.
Six people remained hospitalised on Sunday morning, according to Sonora’s prosecutor’s office. Sonora Attorney General Gustavo Salas Chávez said preliminary investigations showed the deaths were caused by inhalation of toxic gases.
Images circulating on social media show a massive fire engulfing the Waldo’s store. One video showed a burned man collapsing onto the asphalt a few metres (yards) from the store entrance.
Casualties and injuries
As of the latest reports, 23 people have been confirmed dead and 12 others are injured, many with severe burns and injuries resulting from the explosion. Among the dead are employees of the store and several customers who were unable to escape in time. Some of the injured are in critical condition, with burns covering large areas of their bodies.
Several victims have been identified as first responders who were caught in the blast while trying to save people inside the building. Emergency medical teams have been working around the clock to provide treatment and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
Authorities are investigating the causes of the fire and explosion. Prosecutors said they believe the fire originated in a transformer but the exact cause is under investigation.
In response, Senator Ricardo Monreal has called for a national review of fire safety protocols in commercial establishments across the country. "This tragedy must serve as a wake-up call," he stated, urging lawmakers to pass stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Sources: Associated Press and various others
The fire broke out late in the afternoon in a warehouse-style store located in a commercial district of Hermosillo. The store, which sold industrial and household goods, was reportedly storing large quantities of highly flammable materials, which may have contributed to the intensity of the fire and subsequent explosion.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started on the ground floor of the building and spread rapidly. Employees and customers inside the store initially tried to escape but the flames quickly overwhelmed the structure, blocking exit routes and trapping people inside.
As firefighters rushed to the scene, an explosion rocked the building, sending debris and flames into nearby streets. The explosion was so powerful that it was felt several blocks away, prompting nearby residents to call emergency services and evacuate the area.
Six people remained hospitalised on Sunday morning, according to Sonora’s prosecutor’s office. Sonora Attorney General Gustavo Salas Chávez said preliminary investigations showed the deaths were caused by inhalation of toxic gases.
Images circulating on social media show a massive fire engulfing the Waldo’s store. One video showed a burned man collapsing onto the asphalt a few metres (yards) from the store entrance.
Casualties and injuries
As of the latest reports, 23 people have been confirmed dead and 12 others are injured, many with severe burns and injuries resulting from the explosion. Among the dead are employees of the store and several customers who were unable to escape in time. Some of the injured are in critical condition, with burns covering large areas of their bodies.
Several victims have been identified as first responders who were caught in the blast while trying to save people inside the building. Emergency medical teams have been working around the clock to provide treatment and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
Authorities are investigating the causes of the fire and explosion. Prosecutors said they believe the fire originated in a transformer but the exact cause is under investigation.
In response, Senator Ricardo Monreal has called for a national review of fire safety protocols in commercial establishments across the country. "This tragedy must serve as a wake-up call," he stated, urging lawmakers to pass stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Sources: Associated Press and various others
