MEXICO CITY, Tues. May 4, 2021– A tragic incident in Mexico City claimed the life of at least 24 people and injured dozens more. Reports say that on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, an overpass collapsed and a train on Mexico City’s newest metro line fell onto the busy road below.

Firefighters rushed to the scene — using heavy chains to stabilize what was left of the site as they pulled bodies and survivors from the wreckage.

This incident marks the second serious metro-related accident of the year in Mexico. A fire at a central control building had previously knocked out service on several lines for weeks following budget cuts.

Many have questioned the structural design and construction standards of the project. Even the then Director of Mexico City’s Metro said, “[The line] was born with endemic problems that would never be solved in its life,” stating that the then newly developed railway would need permanent maintenance.

The overpass in question was a part of the Linea 12, which was completed less than a decade ago. The overpass was frequently the subject of allegations about corruption and structural weakness. It was also closed multiple times no sooner than 2 years after its construction to undergo structural repairs.

Noting the existing concerns that surround the railway, Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said that an investigation will be done quickly and will be open to the public. “There’s no impunity for anyone,” he said. “The government will use every resource in its capacity to address the matter and the concerns of corruption surrounding the construction,” he promised.