The Sonora Prosecutor’s Office does not play games
It seems that the meme of “this is already a serious investigation” became a reality in Sonora. The state Attorney General’s Office confirmed this Monday – with that scary formality – that it has required the appearance of public servants from the three levels of government. Yes, you read correctly: municipal, state and federal. Everyone is in the crosshairs for the explosion and fire that turned a Waldo’s store in Hermosillo into a scene of tragedy on November 1, where 23 people lost their lives.
The state prosecutor Gustavo Rómulo Salas Chávez – who must be living his own season of Law & Order – reported that possible criminal, civil and administrative sanctions are being analyzed. And be careful, not only for officials, but also for those responsible for the commercial establishment. Because apparently, in this bureaucratic tragicomedy, everyone can have their share of responsibility in this tragedy that left 23 dead and 15 injured. The investigation seeks to determine if there were omissions worthy of the worst viral fails in supervision, permits and security measures.
The judicial machinery is put into motion
“We are requiring the appearance of executives, managers and various public servants”, declared the prosecutor with that calm that only those who know that they have the power to subpoena half of the government have. He added that “once we have all the information, we will be able to determine the corresponding criminal figures.” Or what is the same: they are putting together the puzzle to see who takes the jackpot to jail.
But this is not a one-man-show. The Prosecutor’s Office works in coordination with firefighter personnel, experts and the Ministerial Criminal Investigation Agency (AMIC) to guarantee the security of the site and continue collecting evidence. So far, they have conducted more than 50 interviews with witnesses, employees and authorities. Basically, they’re doing the saddest backstage pass in history.
The research folder includes everything from field work to information requests from the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and the company Waldo’s de México. All to prove the legal operation of the establishment, its municipal permits and its insurance coverage. Because in these times, even tragedies need paperwork.
The panorama of the victims: between hope and drama
While the Prosecutor’s Office plays CSI: Sonora, the Secretary of Health, José Luis Alomía, updated the status of the injured. Of the 15 people initially injured, only three remain hospitalized. Among the serious patients there is an older adult 81 years old and a young woman 20 years old who will be transferred to a hospital specialized in burns in Arizona. The transfer will be by air in a specialized ambulance – because when tragedy strikes, governments suddenly find the budget. A 16-year-old teenager remains stable and could be discharged in the next 48 hours.
By instruction of Governor Alfonso Durazo, the Executive Commission for Attention to Victims (CEAV) provides psychological and legal support to those affected. Even the president Claudia Sheinbaum and the secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, expressed their support for the families and will support the management of passports and visas. Because apparently, in the midst of chaos, even international paperwork is streamlined.
And meanwhile, in the parallel universe of the 68 Waldo’s branches in Sonora: despite the announced closure, on Monday morning some had staff inside. Like in those movie endings where you think everything is over but there is a final jump scare. The municipalities determined to keep the stores closed until it is guaranteed, through inspections, that the structural and electrical safety conditions are adequate. That is, until they are sure that we are not going to repeat this tragic episode.
The Sonora Prosecutor’s Office reiterated its commitment to reaching the ultimate consequences. Because when 23 people die, someone has to pay the price. And this time, it seems that they are not going to settle for just any scapegoat.
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