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Sonora Removes Civil Protection Chief From Duty as Waldo’s Fire Investigation Focuses on Transformer

State leaders move to insulate the probe from conflicts of interest.

Overview

  • Prosecutors said the leading line of inquiry is a failure of a private electrical transformer inside the Hermosillo store, with all hypotheses still open and no indication of intentionality so far.
  • Authorities confirmed all 23 victims have been identified through forensic and DNA analysis, concluding the identification process.
  • Governor Alfonso Durazo ordered the temporary separation of Armando Castañeda, the state civil protection coordinator, to avoid him being judge and party in the case.
  • Safety enforcement expanded as Sonora suspended 68 Waldo’s locations, Tijuana authorities closed 13 branches, and Sinaloa shut three more, while inspections proceeded in Mexicali and other cities.
  • Several people remain hospitalized, including a 20-year-old woman transferred to Valleywise in Phoenix for specialized burn care, and Waldo’s said it is covering funeral costs, providing financial and psychological support, and reviewing safety protocols nationwide.