Overview
- Authorities confirm 23 deaths from the Nov. 1 explosion and fire, with forensic reports indicating most victims succumbed to toxic gas inhalation after being trapped inside.
- The Hermosillo store lacked an authorized civil‑protection program since 2021 after approvals in 2019 and a 2020 revalidation, putting potential administrative, civil and criminal liabilities on the table for the company and possibly public officials.
- Prosecutors report no indications of intentional wrongdoing and are examining electrical installations, rooftop solar equipment and ventilation systems; the transformer under scrutiny was private equipment, not part of CFE infrastructure.
- State and federal agencies activated coordinated assistance that includes medical transfers, payments to clinics, and psychological and legal support, while Waldo’s says it is cooperating and aiding affected families.
- Investigators have conducted dozens of interviews and technical inspections, secured the scene for peritajes, and say all 68 Waldo’s stores in Sonora will remain closed pending comprehensive safety checks.