At least 23 people were killed and 11 others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a crowded store in the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora on Friday night.

Local officials said most of the victims were children, and investigations are underway to determine the cause of the blast that brought down part of the building.

Authorities reported that the explosion occurred when dozens of families were shopping. The blast triggered a massive fire, collapsing large sections of the structure and spreading panic across nearby streets.

Emergency teams rushed to the scene within minutes and worked through the night to rescue survivors trapped under debris. Witnesses described hearing a deafening sound and seeing thick plumes of smoke rising from the store.

Sonora state police said there was no immediate evidence of a deliberate attack or terrorist activity, but a full investigation was being carried out to determine the cause.

The state governor expressed condolences to the victims' families and announced the formation of a special commission to oversee the investigation, promising transparency in the findings.

Sonora has experienced several similar incidents in recent years, with experts warning that poor oversight of gas and electrical systems in public facilities remains a serious safety concern.

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