At least 23 people were killed in a fire at a general store in northern Mexico, the state’s governor announced Saturday.
Governor Alfonso Durazo said in an online video address that the fire broke out at a Waldo’s chain store in Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora state.
“So far, there are reports that 23 people have been killed and 11 injured and are receiving treatment at different hospitals in the city. Unfortunately, some of the victims are minors,” he said. The tragedy “has left a deep sadness on all Sonorans,” he added.
Local radio station Uniradio Sonora reported that 12 women, five men, four boys and two girls were killed, citing Mexican Red Cross president Carlos Freaner.
CNN has reached out to both the city and state governments for comment.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sent her “deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in the fire.”
“I have instructed Interior Secretary Rosa Isela Rodríguez to send support teams to assist families and the injured,” she said.
The Sonora Public Safety Secretariat told X that the fire was not caused by arson or other intentional acts of violence, but did not elaborate on the cause.
