A fire and explosion at a Waldo’s discount store in downtown Hermosillo, Mexico, resulted in at least 23 fatalities, including several children, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, during Day of the Dead festivities. Additionally, 12 people sustained injuries, with six remaining hospitalized as of Sunday morning.
The fire ignited at the convenience store in the capital of Sonora state, with large flames consuming the building. Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo confirmed the event via a video on social media, while Attorney General Gustavo Salas Chávez shared details regarding the casualties and injuries.
Initial investigations indicated that the victims succumbed to toxic gas inhalation rather than burns. Salas Chávez mentioned that there is no current evidence suggesting intentionality, but all possibilities remain open. Early reports from the prosecutor suggest that the fire may have originated in a transformer; however, the exact cause is still under investigation.
Social media videos captured the scene, showing the store engulfed in flames, with dense black smoke emanating from the building. One video showed a burned individual collapsing near the store entrance amidst the ongoing fire.
Those injured were sent to six different hospitals in Hermosillo, where medical staff worked to stabilize patients, many of whom suffered from severe smoke inhalation and burns. The incident coincided with one of Mexico’s major cultural events, where families traditionally gather to remember deceased loved ones.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum extended her condolences to the affected families in a public statement. She confirmed discussions with Governor Durazo to organize support efforts and directed Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez to send a team to assist the victims’ families and the injured.
Waldo’s, the discount chain, issued a statement expressing sorrow over the deaths and committed to fully cooperating with the investigation. The company conveyed condolences to the victims and their families as authorities work to determine the cause of the fire.
The disaster’s timing added to the tragedy, as the Day of the Dead holiday typically increases store foot traffic, with families purchasing supplies for traditional observances. The celebration, from October 31 to November 2, involves cemetery visits, home altars adorned with photos and offerings, and festive meals in honor of departed family members.
In downtown Hermosillo, a city with approximately 900,000 residents, located roughly 170 miles south of the Arizona border, emergency response operations were initiated as firefighters battled the flames. Local authorities collaborated with state and federal officials to manage the situation and provide support to survivors.
The presence of children among the fatalities has heightened the community’s emotional response. Families who lost members face the dual challenge of grieving during a holiday dedicated to remembering the dead, creating a difficult period of mourning.
Emergency personnel continue to monitor the six hospitalized individuals, while forensic teams work to identify all victims and establish the sequence of events leading to the disaster. The finding of toxic gas inhalation suggests that victims may have been quickly incapacitated, possibly explaining the high number of casualties.
State authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into the store’s safety measures, including fire suppression systems, emergency exits, and electrical infrastructure. The potential transformer issue has led to an examination of maintenance records and building code compliance.
The incident is one of the most deadly single-event fires in recent Mexican history. As the investigation progresses, questions arise about whether preventable factors contributed to the high death toll and what steps might be taken to avert similar incidents in commercial venues nationwide.
