A fire that broke out at low cost store in Mexico has killed at least 23 people and injured 11 others, native officers say.
The blaze broke out on Saturday in the centre of the north-western metropolis of Hermosillo at a department of Waldo’s – Mexico’s largest low cost chain.
Multiple native authorities described the incident as an explosion, though regional Governor Alfonso Durazo said the precise cause had yet to be decided. The Sonora state public security secretariat said it had ruled out the chance it was an attack or act of deliberate violence against civilians.
Children are among the victims, officers said, with a 15-year-old woman among those taken to hospital.
Images from the scene show thick, black smoke billowing from the building, with the flames showing to have unfold to vehicles parked in entrance of the store.
After the fire was extinguished, scorch marks can be seen rising from the store’s doorways and home windows, one of which seems fully destroyed. The car immediately in entrance of this window is totally burnt out.
“To the families who lost a loved one… I share your pain and offer you my full solidarity,” Durazo said in a video deal with.
He added that an “extraordinary, transparent and thorough” investigation had been launched to make clear the causes of the incident and decide who was accountable.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on social media: “My heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.”
Waldo’s outlets are a common sight on Mexico high streets, with lots of of retailers across the nation.
The fire comes on the weekend when Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead, where festivities are held for people to honour deceased family members.
The state authorities said it was cancelling cultural occasions deliberate for Sunday after the incident.
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