Background and Context
More than three months after a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pipeline explosion at the Puente de La Concordia in Mexico City’s Iztapalapa district, resulting in 32 deaths and numerous injuries, the Mexico City government announced it has secured 143 compensation agreements worth over 480 million pesos.
Compensation Agreements and Payments
Clara Brugada, the Head of Government of Mexico City, stated during a press conference that this amount represents a historic figure for damage reparation. Of the 480 million pesos committed to repairing the damage, 90% – or 429 million pesos – have already been paid to the affected families. The remaining amount is close to being settled.
The compensation agreements were facilitated by the company responsible for this reparation agreement. Additionally, the Mexico City government provided two separate installments of 40,000 pesos to the victims’ families to cover immediate expenses.
The government also mentioned that 75 direct contacts were made with the affected families to offer support and advice.
Preventive Measures
To prevent similar incidents, the government announced modifications to the traffic regulations that will tighten rules for vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Furthermore, an application is being developed to enable citizens to report any traffic violations related to these guidelines.
Solidarity and Emergency Support
César Cravioto, the Secretary of Government for Mexico City, detailed that 75 solidarity and emergency supports were given initially. These included 43 aids for the injured and 32 for the deceased victims, as well as a second support for 82 affected families.
Responsibility and Investigation
Bertha Alcalde Luján, the Head of the Fiscal General de Justicia in Mexico City, reported that 32 people lost their lives, including the truck driver; 63 were injured, eight were exposed without physical harm but possibly with psychological repercussions; and 42 families and businesses suffered material damage.
Regarding the investigation, Alcalde Luján mentioned a comprehensive peritia investigation involving 16 forensic specialties, over 270 expert opinions, and an in-depth analysis of the road, vehicle, mechanical systems, CCTV footage, site topography, and specialized mechanics studies.
The investigation concluded that the driver was immediately responsible due to excessive speed and loss of vehicle control, leading to a collision with the barrier. Technical evidence also indicated that the operating company had obligations they failed to meet.
However, Alcalde Luján clarified that the investigations ruled out issues with the road infrastructure, vehicle mechanical failures, or external natural factors that could have caused the accident. She confirmed that the road complied with normative parameters, the vehicle had no pre-impact issues, and weather conditions were stable.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the total amount of compensation agreements secured? The Mexico City government has secured 143 compensation agreements worth over 480 million pesos.
- How have the affected families been supported financially? The government provided two installments of 40,000 pesos to the victims’ families and has paid 90% of the committed 480 million pesos to affected families.
- What preventive measures are being taken to avoid similar incidents? Modifications to traffic regulations for hazardous material-carrying vehicles and the development of a citizen reporting application are being implemented.
- How many solidarity and emergency supports were given to affected individuals and families? Initially, 75 solidarity and emergency supports were distributed: 43 to the injured and 32 to deceased victims, along with a second support for 82 families.
- Who is held responsible for the explosion, according to the investigation? The driver was found immediately responsible due to excessive speed and loss of vehicle control.
- Were there any issues with the road, vehicle, or weather conditions that contributed to the accident? The investigation ruled out problems with road infrastructure, vehicle mechanical failures, or external natural factors as causes of the accident.
