The Waldo’s store chain stated on Sunday that it will support the families of victims of a fire at one of its branches in Hermosillo, Sonora, which left 23 people dead and dozens injured, and expressed its willingness to cooperate with authorities to clarify the facts. “The Waldo’s family is deeply pained and dismayed by the tragic events that occurred yesterday at our branch in downtown Hermosillo,” the company said in a statement. The chain noted that there is “nothing more important” right now than to address the emergency and support the families of those who lost their lives and the injured people. The company stated that it has maintained “close communication” with authorities and victim families since the very first moment. We have mobilized all our efforts to support the affected families and will urgently manage the necessary resources. Likewise, the company specified that it is collaborating “totally and openly” with the Attorney General's Office of Justice of the State of Sonora and all authorities to clarify the causes of this terrible event. Our priority is to support the affected families while the facts are being clarified. Waldo’s’ stance comes after an explosion inside a store located in downtown Hermosillo on Saturday afternoon caused a fire when the business was full of customers due to the payday and pre-Day of the Dead shopping. Gustavo Salas Chávez, head of the Sonora Prosecutor's Office, confirmed that 23 people died in the fire, while 12 more remain hospitalized, and clarified that there are no indications that the fire was intentional and did not rule out any line of investigation. President Claudia Sheinbaum lamented the deaths and assured that her government has sent aid to those affected. For its part, the state governor, Alfonso Durazo, stated that his administration “will carry out all necessary actions” to support the affected families and individuals.
