Mexico: the anger of the inhabitants of Mexico after the collapse of the skytrain
After the terrible metro accident that left 24 dead and more than 70 injured Tuesday in Mexico City, the time has come for explanations and controversy.
AFP - CLAUDIO CRUZ
Text by: RFI Follow
4 min
A terrible subway accident left 24 dead and more than 70 injured in Mexico City on Tuesday.
A bridge collapsed on an overhead section of line 12 of the capital's metro, dragging wagons and passengers with it in a 20-meter-high fall.
In the aftermath of this tragedy, it is time for explanations and controversy.
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This metro line, which cost 700 million euros, has been the subject of many criticisms and many problems since its inauguration in 2012 by the former mayor of the city, now Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Shortly after it opened, structural issues were reported.
A comprehensive study of the construction that was carried out two years ago did not conclude that there was any risk.
Despite everything, users continued to warn about the poor condition of the installations.
In Mexico City, many consider that this tragedy could have been prevented and among the users of the other lines, the feeling is with anger and concern.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the metro passengers were just as numerous, but the accident on line 12 is in everyone's mind.
The concern and shock of users
Branda Avila used the metro every day. She was there a few hours before the tragedy, and after the shock comes bitterness: "
Where is the metro money going?"
she asks at the microphone of our correspondent in Mexico,
Gwendolina Duval.
It is never about maintenance, they say there is no need for it. And if they do maintenance, it's only cleaning. So what's the point of putting so much money in the metro if they don't use it to maintain the facilities? In fact, it suits them because it makes more money, everything goes in their pocket.
"
In Mexico City, the metro is a means of transport that is difficult to circumvent to circulate in this city of 22 million inhabitants.
Salvador Retana is also familiar with the section that collapsed.
He saw it build, but never trusted it.
“
I am very worried!
If we knew that the construction was poorly done, I do not understand that the authorities did nothing before this accident happened.
Above all, there are so many other places throughout this area that also have structural issues.
"
The president has promised a full investigation
Residents hope that the truth about this accident will be established.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has promised "a thorough investigation, without regard of any kind, to seek to know the truth (...), from which responsibility will be established" especially as his Minister of Foreign Affairs , Marcelo Ebrard, also possible candidate for the next presidential election, is questioned by the vox populi as former mayor of the capital.
The Mexico City prosecutor's office said the investigation would focus on the crimes of manslaughter and property damage.
It was entrusted to the federal prosecutor's office and to that of Mexico City and independent international experts will assist in the investigations.
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To read: Mexico: collapse of a skytrain bridge in Mexico City, dozens of dead and injured
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