(Mexico) Carlos Slim, Mexico’s richest man, reached an agreement with Mexican city officials Wednesday to kill 26 people over the reconstruction of a collapsed metro line last May.
The president, who is behind telecommunications and construction companies, has announced that its subsidiary, Grubo Carso, will pass a bill to strengthen weak sections and rebuild collapsed sections in order to protect infrastructure against frequent earthquakes.
In a statement to the stock exchanges, Grubo Carso made it clear that the initiative was not responsible for the catastrophe. He also argued that the project would not have a material impact on the company’s business.
On Monday, Mexico City court officials announced that ten “individuals and companies” would be charged with criminal offenses.
Grubo Carso says in his statement that he has made his own decisions about the cause of the collapse, but does not want to publicize the matter.
In the past, some companies involved in metro construction a decade ago have claimed that subsequent alignments carry more weight in the suspended segment.
Prosecutors in charge of the prosecution said the accused companies were intent on providing infrastructure and compensation to the families of the victims.
Grubo Carso says he wants to do both.
Charges in court include manslaughter or criminal negligence, damage and bodily harm.
According to local media, former city officials are among the accused. No arrest warrant has been issued. Defendants were told to appear in court on October 25.
According to experts consulted by prosecutors, the collapse was caused by construction defects such as bad welds or missing parts. Poor design would also have played a role in the disaster.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Introvert. Award-winning internet evangelist. Extreme beer expert.”
