Victims of the tragic collapse of section 12 of Mexico City’s subway two years ago are still fighting for justice and proper reparations for the damage caused. The collapse resulted in 26 deaths and over 100 injuries, and relatives and victims blame corruption, deceit, and lack of interest from Mexican authorities. They accuse the Mexican Government as well as the Mexico City Attorney General’s office of protecting the construction company behind the line, Ciscia-Grupo Carso, owned by tycoon Carlos Slim.
The victims, represented by lawyer Teófilo Benítez, have formed the Association of Victims of Mexico City to defend victims’ rights and the safety of the entire public transport metro system. Benítez asked Claudia Sheinbaum, the head of the Government in Mexico City, prosecutor Ernestina Godoy, and the head of the Victim Care Commission, Ernesto Alvarado, to review evidence of the authorities’ inadequate actions. Expert reports to calculate damages, according to the lawyer, were manipulated, as in the case of David, who was told that he had two broken ribs. But another examination later revealed that he had more than two broken ribs, and even the quantified amount for damage was incorrect.
The victims’ legal advisor described how a 12-year-old girl suffered complications following head injuries and an expulsion of cerebrospinal fluid through her nose, and her victim care authorities lost her file and studies. Meanwhile, Brandon’s death was also reported, and his mother, Marisol Tapia, claimed that the capital authorities withdrew institutional support and did not contact her again.
According to the Mexico City Attorney General’s office, 117 reparation agreements have been signed between direct and indirect victims with construction companies, offering support ranging from 10,000 pesos to 30,000 pesos (from about 500 to 1,500 dollars). More than 2,000 medical and rehabilitation sessions were granted for an amount greater than 70 million pesos (about 3.5 million dollars), and only 12 reparation agreements are still pending. But those affected claim that this amount is less than 3.5 million pesos (around 175,000 dollars), and at least 14 agreements have not materialized.
Mexico City’s head of Government announced that the section of line 12 will reopen at the end of June, but victims are continuing their fight for justice. The Association of Victims of Mexico City aims to defend the rights of victims and safeguard the entire public transport metro system’s security. They urge authorities to collaborate and take corrective measures, addressing corruption, deceit, and lack of interest in public transits’ safety.
