Deadly Mexico explosion leaves 23 dead, toxic fumes suspected; President Sheinbaum promises probe

Authorities probe deadly explosion in Hermosillo as President Sheinbaum offers aid to victims’ families

A powerful explosion ripped through a supermarket in northern Mexico,  killing at least 23 people, including several children, and injuring 11 others, according to local officials cited by Reuters.

Emergency services rushed to the scene as smoke and debris filled the air. The injured were immediately transported to nearby hospitals, with rescue teams continuing to search through the wreckage for survivors late into the night.

Governor confirms children among victims

Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo described the scene as 'devastating,; confirming that a number of the victims were minors.

“A number of the victims we’ve found were minors,” Durazo said in a video statement posted on social media. “We’ve ordered an extensive and transparent investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and to hold those responsible accountable.”

Local authorities have sealed off the area and deployed forensic teams to identify the victims and assess structural damage.

Toxic gases suspected as cause of deaths

While the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, early findings suggest toxic gas inhalation may have played a major role in the fatalities, Reuters reported.

Gustavo Salas, Sonora’s attorney general, said preliminary reports from the forensic medical service indicated that many victims died from inhaling poisonous gases released after the blast, rather than from direct impact injuries.

Officials have not ruled out the possibility of a gas leak or chemical reaction inside the supermarket, Reuters added.

President Sheinbaum offers condolences, dispatches aid

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the victims’ families on X (formerly Twitter), calling the incident 'a heartbreaking tragedy.'

“I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died,” she wrote.

Sheinbaum said she had spoken with Governor Durazo to coordinate assistance and instructed Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez to send a federal support team to Hermosillo to help victims’ families and the injured.

Investigation underway to find cause, hold those responsible

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the explosion, with both state and federal agencies involved. Forensic and fire experts are examining the supermarket site for traces of gas, flammable materials, or faulty infrastructure that could have triggered the blast.

Governor Durazo assured residents that updates will be shared publicly as the probe progresses.

“We will ensure that the investigation is transparent and that justice is delivered for the victims,” he said.