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Sonora Shuts All 68 Waldo’s Stores After Hermosillo Fire as Probe Focuses on In‑House Transformer

Authorities report no sign of arson, with the store operating without a ratified civil protection plan since 2021.

Overview

  • Officials say 23 people died in the November 1 blaze; 21 bodies have been identified and claimed, and five people remain hospitalized, two in critical condition.
  • State authorities ordered temporary closures to conduct comprehensive safety inspections and review permits across every Waldo’s location in Sonora.
  • Investigators are examining the store’s electrical setup, including a transformer and rooftop solar panels that the CFE says are not part of its infrastructure and belonged to the company.
  • Prosecutors report most victims died from inhalation of toxic gases, and authorities note evacuation deficiencies including a single entrance and a lack of emergency exits.
  • Waldo’s says it is cooperating fully with investigators and is providing support to victims’ families and those injured.