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A supermarket explosion on Saturday killed at least 23 people and injured 11 in northern Mexico, local officials said, while public security authorities ruled out an attack.
“Sadly, a number of the victims we’ve found were minors,” Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo said in a video message as he announced the toll.
Photo: EPA
The survivors were being treated at hospitals in the city of Hermosillo, where the explosion took place, Durazo said.
“I have ordered an extensive and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and figure out those responsible,” he said.
The explosion happened at a Waldo’s store in the city center.
“Nobody will face this pain alone. From the very first moments, emergency, security and health services responded with great professionalism and commitment, controlling the situation and saving lives,” the governor said.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on social media “to the families and loved ones of those who died.”
“I have been in contact with the Sonora governor, Alfonso Durazo, to provide support where needed. I’ve instructed Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodriguez to send a support team in order to assist the families and the injured,” she continued.
Mexican media reports said customers sought refuge inside the store after the explosion, only to become trapped by the flames. Images in local media showed the building’s facade scorched from the fire and windows shattered.
Newspaper El Universal said the explosion occurred about 2pm local time, and that nearby businesses closed their doors to prevent the fire from spreading.
Local authorities urged members of the public to avoid the area of the explosion, and canceled celebrations scheduled to be held that day in honor of the Day of the Dead holiday.
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