#EnVivo Mensaje a medios de la Fiscal General de la República, Lcda. Ernestina Godoy Ramos.

Initial Report on Investigations into the December 28 Incident

Introduction and Acknowledgment of Victims

• The Fiscalía General de la República expresses gratitude for attendance and presents an initial report regarding the investigations of the incident that occurred on December 28 at kilometer Z230 + 290 on the Salina Cruz Cuatzacalcos route in Nissanda, Oaxaca.

• Solidarity is extended to victims and families affected by the tragedy, with a commitment to pursue justice through all available resources.

Investigation Initiation and Actions Taken

• From day one, personnel from the Fiscalía Especializada de Control Regional began an investigation file and proceeded to the scene to support federal investigators in Oaxaca. This included collaboration with forensic experts and police officers.

• Key actions taken include:

• Inspections of the derailment site and surrounding areas.

• Examination of the train involved, including two locomotives (one operational) and four cars.

Evidence Collection and Expert Involvement

• Criminalistic evidence was collected from various locations including tracks, locomotives, and cars while maintaining proper chain of custody. Additional inspections included:

• Verification of coupling systems.

• Topographical surveys of the accident site.

• Recovery of event data recorder (black box) from the derailed locomotive.

• Experts across multiple fields such as engineering, telecommunications, industrial safety, and criminalistics contributed their insights during this phase. Interviews were also conducted with victims and witnesses by federal police officers.

Technical Considerations Regarding Train Operations

• The report outlines technical considerations relevant to train operations based on existing regulations which dictate maximum speeds for cargo (45 km/h) and passenger services (50 km/h). It was noted that despite these limits, records indicated that the train was traveling at 65 km/h at the time of derailment.

• The black box technology provided critical data about speed, location, braking events, etc., allowing investigators to analyze train behavior leading up to the incident.

Findings from Initial Inspections

• Preliminary findings indicate no damage to railway infrastructure components directly related to the incident; however:

• The passenger train weighed approximately 400 tons post-inspection without any identified mechanical failures that could have jeopardized its operation according to regulatory standards.

• Notably:

• The black box recorded speeds reaching up to 111 km/h in straight sections where only a maximum of 70 km/h was permitted—indicating significant over-speeding prior to derailment events.

Analysis of Train Incident: Speed and Safety Concerns

Speeding Violations and Consequences

• The train was operating at 65 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, exceeding the speed limit by 15 km/h, which is significantly more dangerous for trains than for conventional vehicles.

• Prior to the incident, the train reduced its speed to 0 km/h at stations, indicating that the braking system was functioning properly before suddenly accelerating again.

Curvature and Speed Dynamics

• Upon entering six curves leading to the accident site, the train initially traveled at 52 km/h but increased its speed to a maximum of 65 km/h while navigating through these curves.

• The calculation of travel time supports claims of excessive speed during this segment, highlighting potential negligence in adhering to safety regulations.

Legal Implications and Investigative Actions

• Current regulations mandate that those responsible for train operations must adhere strictly to operational rules; evidence suggests this was not followed. As a result, legal action has been initiated against responsible parties for possible charges of negligent homicide and bodily harm.

• Ongoing investigations include various analyses such as topography and material quality assessments aimed at clarifying contributing factors beyond just speeding. This thorough approach seeks to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.

Victim Support Initiatives

• Collaboration with multiple governmental agencies aims to provide comprehensive support for victims, including clinical evaluations necessary for legal classification of injuries sustained during the incident. Immediate reparations are being organized based on information from railway companies involved.

Data Insights from Black Box Analysis

• Information retrieved from the black box indicates that the train frequently exceeded permissible speeds throughout its journey, reaching up to 111 km/h in straight sections prior to slowing down again near the accident site. This data underscores systemic issues related to speed management protocols within rail operations.

Train Speed Analysis and Incident Overview

Train Speed Exceedance

• The train exceeded the permitted speed limit of 70 km/h in a straight line, indicating potential operational issues.

• There were instances where the train reduced its speed significantly, even coming to a complete stop at 0 km/h, suggesting that the brakes were functioning properly.

• Upon resuming motion, the train reached speeds of up to 111 km/h in areas where the limit was clearly established as 70 km/h.

Pre-Incident Speed Records

• Prior to the incident site, records indicate that the train operated above the limit of 50 km/h, reaching speeds of up to 65 km/h according to black box data.

• The authorities emphasized their commitment to keeping the public informed while ensuring adherence to due process and legal standards.