HERMOSILLO.- This Saturday afternoon, a strong explosion in a Waldo’s chain store shook the center of Hermosillo and left a preliminary balance of 22 people dead and 12 injuredamong them four minors.
The explosion, which occurred around 2:00 p.m., unleashed a fire that quickly consumed the interior of the establishment, where several customers were trapped.
According to the first reports, the flames originated at the entrance of the store, which prevented the exit of buyers who sought refuge inside the business.
Witnesses reported that after the detonation, cries for help were heard and a dense column of smoke rose that was visible from various points in the city.
The incident occurred in the store located on Doctor Noriega streets, between Matamoros and Juárez.
Hermosillo today is experiencing one of the worst tragedies in history.
Today, Sonora felt the same pain as that June 5, 2009…
Rest in peace to all the people who lost their lives.😔🕊️ pic.twitter.com/yptosO5Wqh
— Rosa Lilia Torres- News (@rosaliliatorrs) November 2, 2025
Explosion and fire at Waldo’s store leaves 22 dead
Immediately, elements of the Hermosillo Fire Departmentthe Municipal Police y Civil defense They went to the scene to put out the fire and help the victims.
The paramedics of the Red Cross They treated the wounded at the scene and transported several of them to the Northwest Clinicwhere they remain under medical observation.
Civil defense The state asked the population to avoid the area to facilitate the passage of emergency units.
🔴 Explosion in Hermosillo (Nov 1, 2025)
A tragedy shakes the center: explosion and fire in a Waldo’s store (Noriega and Matamoros).
🕒 ~15:00 h
💔 22 dead (7 minors) and +12 seriously injured.
Probable cause: gas accumulation or electrical failure (they rule out an attack).
Store… pic.twitter.com/PtLS51WajY— Azteca (@MORRIS80766176) November 2, 2025
Businesses near the site closed their doors due to the risk of a new incident, while cooling and search efforts continued throughout the night.
He Hermosillo Fire DirectorFrancisco Matty Ortega, confirmed that the fire was controlled thanks to the timely intervention of the rescue teams, which prevented its spread to adjacent premises.
Likewise, he reported that there will be specialized expert reports to determine the causes of the explosion.
🚨 Hermosillo, Waldos:
Due to the unfortunate event in Hermosillo, a Waldos store was full for the festivities and, even for no apparent reason, it exploded.
💥
23 deaths have been confirmed, including children.
😔
The facts continue to be investigated.
🕵🏻♂️
Terrible day for Mexico.
😭… pic.twitter.com/1vyMOJhsI5— Because it is a trend in Mexico (@XQestendenciaMX) November 2, 2025
Investigation underway and possible causes of the accident
Local authorities reported that an investigation was opened to determine the origin of the explosion. Initial versions suggest that it could have been caused by the detonation of a vehicle parked outside the premises.
Possible are analyzed mechanical failure or the presence of flammable materialsalthough the causes have not yet been officially confirmed.
The Municipal Government of Hermosillo maintains coordination with state and civil protection authorities to secure the area and continue with rescue and investigation work.
The area remains cordoned off and vehicular and pedestrian access is restricted while structural damage is assessed.
Day of the Dead festivities suspended after explosion in Hermosillo
He Governor Alfonso Durazo Montaño expressed his condolences through social networks:
“I express my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the people who died in the fire that occurred today in the Center of Hermosillo.”
Durazo assured that the State Government will provide punctual and comprehensive attention to victims and their families, in addition to instructing the carrying out of all the corresponding investigations.
CONFIRMED👇🏼
The governor @AlfonsoDurazo reported that, until now, there are 23 people dead and 11 injured after the explosion at the Waldos store, in the center of Hermosillo.“I have ordered an exhaustive and transparent investigation to clarify the causes of the… pic.twitter.com/4E0BOGn7LU
— Rosa Lilia Torres- News (@rosaliliatorrs) November 2, 2025
In solidarity with the victims, the Hermosillo City Council announced the suspension of cultural and artistic activities scheduled by the VII Traditional Day of the Dead Festivalincluding the March of the Catrinas and the Altar Competition.
“We join the feeling of sadness that overwhelms our community”, reported the Municipal Institute of Culture and Art.
The president Claudia Sheinbaum He also expressed his condolences.
My heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the people who died in the fire that occurred in a store in the center of Hermosillo.
I have been in contact with the governor of Sonora, Alfonso Durazo, to support whatever is needed. I instructed the secretary of…
— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) November 2, 2025
Reactions in networks
A GREAT TRAGEDY SHOCKED US IN HERMOSILLO
The exact causes of the explosion at Waldo’s store and the burned cars are still unknown. It is unfortunate to hear about the victims, especially minors. Without a doubt it was a quick job by the authorities in support, unfortunately 22 died. pic.twitter.com/k1xhZFbCDN— La Bujía News (@bujia_la) November 1, 2025
I deeply regret the tragedy that occurred in Hermosillo, where an explosion and fire in a Waldo’s store left at least 22 people dead, including women, men and minors, in addition to dozens of injured.
My solidarity with the families of the victims and…
— Alejandro Moreno (@alitomorenoc) November 2, 2025
💔 | Terrible explosion in Waldos store #Hermosillo leaves material damage and fatalities ❤️🩹
Elements of the State Police are providing support
So far 22 fatalities:
6 Man
9 Women
4 Male minors
3 Female MinorsIt’s easy to… pic.twitter.com/YCVb6QZigG
— CP Janny Barrera (@CPJannyBarrera) November 2, 2025
