Mexican authorities confirm nine fatalities in Toluca fire

Mexican authorities have now confirmed that the death toll in the recent fire at the Central de Abasto de Toluca has risen to nine. The fire occurred in the capital of the State of Mexico, which is the country’s most populous entity and neighbors Mexico City. According to the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Mexico, eight people lost their lives at the scene of the fire, while another individual died in a hospital where she was receiving medical treatment.

Authorities are currently trying to establish the identities, ages, and causes of death of the victims. The bodies have been transferred to the Forensic Medical Service for further investigation. It is believed that three of the victims may be minors.

The fire, which started after an explosion in Warehouse H, occurred at around 2:30 local time. Authorities suspect that individuals armed with short arms entered the area and caused the explosion, possibly using a yet-to-be-determined substance. They then fled the scene in a vehicle. The State of Mexico Prosecutor’s Office is looking into the incident and considering various hypotheses, including potential internal conflicts over business ownership.

The State of Mexico has a population of almost 17 million people and has been facing significant challenges regarding homicides. In the first five months of this year alone, there were 917 murders, ranking the state second nationwide in terms of homicide rates.

Recent fires in markets across the central region of Mexico have been linked to criminal disputes. In April, a fire broke out at the Central de Abastos in Mexico City, known as the largest wholesale market in the world.