Background on Armando Castañeda Sánchez
Armando Castañeda Sánchez, until recently, held the position of Coordinator of State Civil Protection in Sonora. Appointed in October 2023, his responsibilities included overseeing safety measures and emergency response across the state. His background includes previous roles as Director of Civil Protection in Agua Prieta and the state’s General Director of Civil Protection.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
An unfortunate fire broke out at a Waldo’s store in Hermosillo, resulting in 23 fatalities and numerous injuries. The tragedy prompted Governor Alfonso Durazo to request Castañeda’s temporary removal from his position to avoid potential conflicts of interest during the ongoing investigation by the state’s Fiscalía.
Waldo’s Store Operating Without a Valid Safety Program
According to authorities, Waldo’s store in Hermosillo’s central area had not been compliant with a valid Internal Program of Civil Protection since 2021. Following the incident, all Waldo’s locations in Sonora were temporarily shut down for investigations. The property remains under investigation as a crime scene.
Victims and Their Current Status
Four individuals who sustained burn injuries in the fire continue to receive medical care. Among them, María Isabel was transferred to the Valleywise Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, a specialized facility for treating severe fire-related injuries. The other injured individuals—Marco, Dana, and Gloria—remain in Hermosillo hospitals.
Castañeda’s Role and the Ongoing Investigation
Castañeda’s appointment as Coordinator of State Civil Protection in October 2023 raised questions about his role during the investigation into the fire. Governor Durazo’s decision to temporarily relieve Castañeda of his duties aims to ensure impartiality in the ongoing probe, which seeks to uncover any possible lapses or failures in safety oversight and compliance at the affected establishment.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Armando Castañeda Sánchez? He was the Coordinator of State Civil Protection in Sonora, previously holding positions as Director of Civil Protection in Agua Prieta and the state’s General Director of Civil Protection.
- What led to his removal? Governor Alfonso Durazo requested Castañeda’s temporary departure from his position to avoid conflicts of interest during the investigation into the Waldo’s store fire.
- What was the cause of the Waldo’s store fire? The investigation is ongoing to determine if there were any safety oversight or compliance failures at the establishment.
- How many people were injured and where are they receiving treatment? Four individuals sustained burn injuries, with María Isabel transferred to Valleywise Hospital in Phoenix and the others—Marco, Dana, and Gloria—receiving care in Hermosillo hospitals.
