Waldo's Hermosillo case; Prosecutor's office conducts new investigations and withdraws transformer to conduct studies

In the wake of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 24 individuals and left 15 others injured, authorities in Hermosillo, Sonora, have taken further steps in their investigation into the incident at the Waldo’s store located in the city center. On Monday, the State Attorney General’s Office (FGJE) conducted a new forensic procedure at the site, during which a transformer was removed for specialized analysis. This operation took place on Doctor Noriega Street, between Juárez and Matamoros, and involved experts from the Field Criminalistics Unit, agents from the Ministry of Public Prosecution, state and municipal civil protection personnel, firefighters, and workers from the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE). The process was authorized by the case judge and requested by the defense teams of some victims, aiming to introduce new evidence into the ongoing criminal proceedings.

The removal of the transformer marks one of several investigative actions being carried out at the site. In addition to this, specialists performed a criminalistic assessment to document the conditions of the building, preserve evidence, and gather technical information that could help determine the origin of the fire. The transformer will now be transported to laboratories where tests will be conducted to check whether it had faults, damage, or other conditions that might be related to the disaster. These findings could provide crucial insights into whether electrical failures played a role in igniting the blaze.

Gabriel Alvarado, the attorney representing families of two deceased individuals and a survivor who suffered severe burns, confirmed that the entire procedure was video-recorded and forms part of the evidence requested within the judicial process. He noted that the investigation remains in the stage of judicialization, with some suspects still needing to appear before a judge. Initially, around 25 individuals were implicated in the case, but approximately 17 have already been presented to court. However, some of these individuals obtained legal protections that temporarily excluded them from the proceedings.

According to Alvarado, none of the individuals currently under investigation are in preventive detention, meaning they all face the legal process while free. The fire occurred on November 1, 2025, around 3 p.m., at the Waldo’s branch located in the heart of Hermosillo. The tragedy has prompted a thorough review of the store’s documentation by the authorities. Although the company had an internal civil protection program approved in 2019, it received a negative evaluation from the State Civil Protection Agency in 2021. This discrepancy raises questions about the adequacy of safety measures in place prior to the incident.

Following the fire, all 68 Waldo’s branches in Sonora were temporarily suspended. Operations resumed once the stores demonstrated compliance with the requirements set forth by the authorities. This suspension highlights the gravity of the situation and underscores the need for stringent adherence to safety protocols in such establishments. The incident has also sparked broader discussions regarding the enforcement of safety regulations and the responsibility of businesses to ensure the well-being of their patrons and employees.

As the investigation continues, more details are likely to emerge regarding the causes of the fire and the roles played by various parties involved. The results of the transformer analysis could significantly influence the direction of the legal proceedings. Additionally, the legal team representing the victims has emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the judicial process. With multiple individuals still awaiting trial and some having been temporarily excluded due to legal protections, the case remains complex and multifaceted.

The outcome of this investigation could set important precedents for future cases involving public safety and corporate liability. As the legal process unfolds, the focus will remain on uncovering the truth behind the tragedy and ensuring justice for the victims and their families. The community of Hermosillo, deeply affected by the loss, awaits further developments as the search for answers continues.