An explosion in a Waldo’s store in downtown Hermosillo, Sonora, sparked a fire that killed 23 people on November 1, 2025. Authorities are investigating electrical failures as a possible cause, while the store chain pledges support for affected families. Six people remain hospitalized after the incident.
On Saturday, November 1, 2025, around 15:03 hours, an explosion inside the Waldo’s branch in Hermosillo’s Historic Center, Sonora, triggered a fire that resulted in 23 deaths: 12 women, 5 men, 4 boys, and 2 girls. Witnesses reported two prior electrical failures causing a blackout, followed by a loud blast like an explosion. Sonora’s General Prosecutor’s Office (FGE), led by Gustavo Salas Chávez, stated the incident appears accidental, possibly originating from an internal transformer, with no signs of arson.
To date, 21 victims have been identified and claimed by families, while two bodies remain at the Forensic Medical Service, one requiring DNA tests. Six people are hospitalized, across facilities like Clínica del Noroeste, ISSSTE’s Hospital Ocaranza, and IMSS hospitals, with two in grave condition: a woman around 20 years old and an 81-year-old man.
Waldo’s chain issued a statement expressing dismay: “The Waldo’s family is deeply saddened and dismayed by the tragic events that occurred yesterday at our downtown Hermosillo branch.” The company pledged to support affected families, urgently manage resources, and fully collaborate with the FGE. Governor Alfonso Durazo called it “a sad day for Sonora” and promised specialized medical care and support actions. President Claudia Sheinbaum mourned the deaths and sent federal aid.
The fire halted the area, involving firefighters, Civil Protection, the Army, and the Red Cross, with 10 ambulances deployed. Nearby streets reopened around 19:00 hours, and public Día de Muertos activities were canceled. The FGE continues gathering manager testimonies and Civil Protection expert reports to clarify the facts.