Fire sweeps through Mexico shopping mall, destroys casino

A fire ravaged a shopping mall in Culiacán, Mexico, on January 16, 2025, causing significant damage, including the collapse of the roof housing a casino. Emergency responders worked to control the blaze, with one injury and two others treated for nervous breakdowns. Cause remains unknown.

Fire Devastates Shopping Mall in Culiacán, Mexico; Casino Destroyed

A massive fire tore through a shopping mall in Culiacán, Sinaloa, on Thursday, January 16, 2025, destroying much of the building, including the casino housed within. The fire caused the roof to collapse, leading to significant structural damage and forcing local authorities to deploy emergency responders to the scene.

The shopping center, which also featured entertainment venues, was engulfed in flames, and smoke was seen billowing from the site for hours. Firefighters, supported by the National Guard and local police, worked tirelessly to control the blaze. They used cranes to spray water onto the charred remains of the structure, while ambulances were on standby at the scene.

Roy Navarrete, Director of the State Civil Protection Institute, confirmed that the fire resulted in at least one injury. "We attended to two people with nervous breakdowns and another person was transferred to the hospital," he said. Navarrete also confirmed that the casino section of the mall was severely damaged by the blaze. "Yes, all that area, all that part here, unfortunately, the roof collapsed, and the firefighters are about to finish their work here," he added.

Emergency crews, including firefighters and National Guard personnel, were seen securing the area and continuing their efforts to extinguish any remaining flames. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.

Local authorities have confirmed that no further serious injuries have been reported, though the destruction of the building, particularly the casino, is a significant blow to the area. Residents and onlookers were left in shock as the fire consumed the site, while security forces maintained a visible presence throughout the night.

This fire in Culiacán marks another challenging event for the region, as emergency services continue to deal with the aftermath. Authorities are urging local residents to stay clear of the site until further updates are provided.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, and it is unclear whether there were any previous safety concerns regarding the structure.

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