A devastating fire swept through a store in downtown Hermosillo, the capital of Mexico’s northern Sonora state, on Saturday, killing at least 23 people and injuring 11 others, according to state officials.

Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo confirmed the death toll in a video message posted on his official social media account, describing the incident as a “tragic event that has deeply saddened our community.” He added that the victims included minors and that emergency services were still working at the scene.

Local media outlets reported that the fire broke out at a branch of Waldo’s, one of Mexico’s largest discount store chains. Thick smoke and flames engulfed the building, forcing nearby residents and businesses to evacuate.

Governor Durazo said he had ordered a full investigation into the cause of the blaze. “We will determine the causes and ensure that those responsible, if any, face justice,” he said.

The state’s Public Security Department stated separately that preliminary findings had ruled out the possibility of the fire being an intentional attack.

The tragedy has revived painful memories in Hermosillo, where a 2009 fire at a day care center killed 49 children and sparked national outrage. Investigations into that incident revealed sealed emergency exits, flammable materials, and the absence of alarms and sprinklers as major contributing factors.

Authorities have pledged that lessons from past tragedies will guide the ongoing investigation and response to prevent such disasters in the future. (ILKHA)