Overview
- Municipal Civil Protection in Tijuana shut 13 of 28 Waldo’s locations inspected for lacking required safeguards such as functional emergency exits, proper signage, extinguishers, first-aid kits and safe electrical systems.
- The Tijuana operation formed part of broader reviews following the November 1 explosion and fire in Hermosillo that left 23 people dead and 12 injured, according to local officials.
- Risk consultant Mariano Katase Ruiz identified two grave irregularities at the Hermosillo store—an indoor electrical transformer and the absence of emergency exits—calling them an imminent risk that could have justified closure.
- Katase said NOM001SEDE generally prohibits indoor transformers unless they are properly confined with fire-resistant materials and ventilation to mitigate fire and explosion hazards.
- In Ensenada, councilor Adrián García announced he will formally request immediate municipal inspections of Waldo’s branches and present an exhorto to the city council to verify emergency exits, extinguishers and valid permits while maintaining permanent oversight.