Hermosillo: At least 23 people lost their lives when an explosion led to a devastating fire inside a department store in Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora state in northwestern Mexico, local media reported on Saturday. The tragic incident unfolded in the afternoon at a store located in the bustling city centre.

According to Emirates News Agency, witnesses reported that the fire quickly engulfed the building, with flames extending to nearby vehicles, effectively trapping numerous individuals within the vicinity. The rapid spread of the fire posed significant challenges to those attempting to escape the inferno.

Rescue teams swiftly responded to the scene, launching search and rescue operations. They worked tirelessly to extract individuals from the wreckage and transport the injured to local hospitals for urgent medical attention. The full extent of the damage and the identities of the victims remain under investigation as authorities continue to assess the aftermath of the catastrophic event.