Mexico City Will Pay the Families of the Train Overpass Collapse Victims
The families of the train collapse victims in Mexico City will receive payment from their local government on top of the financial aid that will be provided by the train line management. The announcement was made by Mexico City's mayor in a news conference, Al Jazeera reported.
More than two dozens were killed by the sudden tragic incident on Monday. It can be remembered that Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum initially reported that the cause of the incident might be a support beam giving way. However, a leader from a Union noted that there might be earlier indications that the beam on the structure is already flexing.
READ MORE: 20 Dead, 70 Hurt as Mexico City Rail Overpass Collapses
Mexico City to Pay Victims' Families
France 24 reported that the payment the city will give is intended to help the families to cover their food, transportation, and other expenses.
Sheinbaum noted that the relatives who died on the May 3 will receive about $35,000. The city will provide $2,500 for the family of every victim who died in the accident. This is in addition to the $32,650 compensation from the merto train line that manages the structure that collapsed.
"We are not going to leave them alone," said Sheinbaum during her news conference adding that they will give them "all the support" the families will require.
Moreover, officials are working on a wider support program that aims to further help the families of the victims. Sheinbaum noted that the programs included are employment, healthcare and education help for the children of the victims.
Meanwhile, the injured victims will also receive about $500 each. Details on when the said payments from Mexico City will be available for the families of the victims were not furthered by the authorities.
At least 26 people have been killed by the overpass that collapsed on Monday, Reuters reported. Two people were added from the initial report that was released. At least 80 people were injured.
Citizens' Grief Over Incident
The announcement of the aid follows the protest from the families of the victims on Friday. The demonstrations were done as the citizens continue to seek answers regarding the sudden collapse of the overpass.
Line 12 was built under the tenure of former Mexico City Marcelo Ebrard. Ebrard, who currently serves as Mexico's foreign minister, labeled the incident as the "most terrible accident."
Furthermore, Al Jazeera noted that the present mayor of the city also went under fire when she faced questions about the maintenance of the metro network since she took the office in 2018.
Meanwhile, President Lopez Obrador promised a thorough probe on the incident. The Attorney's General Office and Norway's DNV GL, are teaming up to look into the horrifying turn of events. Lopez Obrador also urged the people to not speculate who should take the blame.
"Ever since it opened, it was scary," said a domestic worker who regularly travels on the line.
The metro line that was affected in the incident was reported to operate in 2012. However, since its operation, the line was plagued by problems.
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WATCH: Mexico City overpass collapse: Hundreds demonstrate to demand justice for victims - from Global News