Mexico City Prepares Criminal Charges, Urges Settlements in Subway Collapse Investigation

A train carriage is seen at the site where an overpass for a subway partially collapsed with train carriages on it at Olivos station in Mexico City, Mexico May 4, 2021. REUTERS/Henry Romero/File Photo

MEXICO CITY, Oct 14 (Reuters) – Officials in Mexico City said on Thursday they were opening criminal charges against people and companies involved in the construction of a section of subway that collapsed, killing 26 people, and urged the companies to reach settlement agreements quickly.

The accident happened in May when an overpass and train carriage on metro line 12 fell on a stream of cars in the southeast of the city.

An independent auditor found that missing bolts and poor welding contributed to the crash, findings confirmed in a separate investigation by the Mexico City attorney general’s office.

“This prosecutor’s office has the evidence to indict a number of people and companies that were responsible for ensuring that there would never be a cause of collapse,” Mexico City Attorney General Ernestina said. Godoy, during a press conference.

The suspects will face charges of homicide, causing bodily harm and property damage, she added, without providing details.

She urged companies to reach agreements with the city to avoid legal proceedings and help provide reparations for victims.

“Some of the companies that participated in Line 12 showed early on their interest in helping to mitigate and repair the effects of the collapse,” Godoy said.

Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim said his construction company, Grupo Carso, which helped build the section that collapsed, will repair the line at no cost to the government.

Without naming Grupo Carso, Godoy said she hoped the companies would contribute to a fund to support those injured in the accident and the families of the victims.

Reporting by Daina Beth Solomon Editing by Robert Birsel

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